Kogvik trial underway

IQALUIT — A former Gjoa Haven teacher was on trial in Cambridge Bay this week, accused of fondling numerous students in the 1970s and 80s.

Ben Kogvik, a Gjoa Haven resident, was charged with 15 sex-related offenses in June 1999. The charges came following a year-long investigation that was triggered by several former students, many of whom are now in their 30s.

The trial is being held in Cambridge Bay because the case has received so much attention in Gjoa Haven that lawyers feared an impartial trial there would be impossible.

All the offenses are alleged to have occurred at Gjoa Haven’s school. The charges include sexual assault and indecent assault.

The trial was expected to wrap up this week.