Skip to content

Bistro owner found not guilty of sex assault, harassment

Judge expressed concerns about truthfulness of accuser's testimony
20240221reubanbruzassexualassaulttrialka
Reuben Bruzas, who is facing multiple charges including sexual assault and forcible confinement, leaves the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse on Feb. 21, 2023 after the second day of his trial.

A judge found Reuban Bruzas not guilty Tuesday of five charges related to intimate partner violence.

Ontario Court Justice Andrew Buttazzoni acquitted the 42-year-old bistro owner of sexual assault, forcible confinement, criminal harassment and two counts of assault.

His decision followed a trial that took place earlier this year.

Bruzas didn't take the witness stand.

Noting most of the Crown's case turns on the complainant's evidence, Buttazzoni said he has serious concerns about the credibility and reliability of it.

The judge said he found the accuser had a selective memory, and was less than truthful and deliberately evasive on several occasions.

Buttazzoni also was troubled by the complainant's testimony about the sexual assault. 

He said he has serious concerns "about the veracity of the allegations" and whether they were based on an accurate recollection.

Buttazzoni concluded that given all his concerns about the credibility and reliability of the evidence, "I have more than reasonable doubt" and dismissed all the charges.

You can read SooToday's previous coverage of the case HERE.



About the Author: Linda Richardson

Linda Richardson is a freelance journalist who has been covering Sault Ste. Marie's courts and other local news for more than 45 years.
Read more