Sexual Assault Charges Against Metis Figure Withdrawn

Sexual assault charges against Dwayne Roth, ex-CEO of the McKay Métis Group, have been withdrawn.

In July 2020, Roth announced he had stepped away from the role, before he faced a five-day jury trial in St. Paul for one charge of sexual assault on June 6, 2022.

Roth said there was no evidence to support the allegation and he was found not guilty.

“Very shortly before my trial was to start, the woman who brought the false allegation changed her story against me and admitted to the prosecutor that she had not told the truth under oath at the Preliminary Inquiry in my case.”

Roth said he barely knew his accuser.

“I am vindicated. The accusation was a lie. The accusation was designed to hurt me, and my family. Despite being a lie, it achieved its desired effect. Two years of pain, poverty, tears, agonizing, legal wrangling, and lost sleep.”

Roth said he spent 30 years involved in Métis and First Nations interests and politics.

“I lost my job as an oilsands business executive and lawyer promoting Indigenous governance. I lost opportunities to represent other people, either in law or in any other professional capacity. My wife accepted menial jobs just to put food on the table and to afford a modest Christmas. Google never forgets, and this accusation will be a stain on my digital footprint that lasts forever.”

“I know that there are people behind the initial allegation. In fact, the part who was alleged to have been assaulted was not even the party who brought the charge forward. I know who they are. They know who they are. I will not, and cannot mention their names today, at my lawyer’s advice. However, I put them on notice that they will be held responsible.”

Roth said he might consider additional action.

“I know that will cost me more. In time, in money, in suffering. But our country is one built on the rule of law and systems that justice to be meted out.”