Crown Requests New Trial Following Neurologist’s Acquittal

Crown attorneys have filed an appeal after a Kitchener judge found a former neurologist not guilty on 48 counts of sexual assault last month.

The Crown is requesting a new trial and wants all acquittals overturned in a notice of appeal submitted on May 14.

Sloka was found not guilty of 48 counts of sexual assault at a Kitchener courthouse last month, with the ruling made by Justice Craig Parry.

In a ruling document that exceeds 1,000 pages, the Ontario judge noted that the Crown did not prove its case and remarked that each patient “provided unreliable evidence” to some extent.

Parry repeatedly mentioned “media tainting” in the document, suggesting he believed that the women who testified against Sloka may have changed their accounts or had altered memories of their experiences with him after reading media coverage about his case.

The accusations against Sloka first came to light in 2017. He had patients presenting with issues ranging from migraines to head injuries before his medical license was revoked by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in 2019.

The trial experienced multiple delays over several years.

During court proceedings, witnesses testified that Sloka asked patients to undress for physical or skin examinations, which included breast and pelvic exams. Patients described what they considered unnecessary exams and inappropriate touching.

Sloka also took the stand in his defense, denying the allegations or arguing that they were necessary for medical evaluations.

WATCH | Reactions pour in after ex-neurologist acquitted of 48 sexual assault charges:

‘Surreal to hear’: Reactions pour in after ex-neurologist acquitted of sex assault charges

There were strong emotions as former Kitchener neurologist Jeffrey Sloka was acquitted on Friday. Many former patients and supporters left the courthouse visibly upset. Sloka’s lawyer also addressed media outside following the verdict. In 2019, Waterloo regional police charged him after an investigation led to his license being revoked by the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Justice Craig Parry stated that the Crown did not meet its burden of proof.

Crown Seeks New Trial on All Charges

The Crown’s notice of appeal calls for all acquittals to be overturned and requests a new trial on every charge.

The grounds for their appeal include:

That the trial judge made legal errors when analyzing similar fact evidence. That there was an error regarding whether the questioned activities were sexual in nature. That there was an error concerning mens rea by concluding that Sloka’s belief about his medical practices being reasonable gave him innocent intent even if misguided. That stereotypical reasoning based on myths about how victims behave in doctor-patient scenarios influenced decisions made by the trial judge.

In an email statement, Sloka’s attorney David Humphrey told that Sloka feels “disappointed” about the Crown pursuing an appeal against the judge’s ruling.

“Justice Parry comprehensively reviewed the law and weighed the evidence before concluding that Dr. Sloka’s examinations were medical, not sexual, in nature,” Humphrey said.

“Jeffrey Sloka is disappointed that the Crown is appealing Justice Parry’s decision. Just as he was confident he would get a fair trial, he looks forward to showing the Court of Appeal that Justice Parry’s decision is well-reasoned, legally sound and should be upheld.”

David Humphrey speaks to reporters outside a Kitchener courthouse following Justice Craig Parry’s decision on April 24, 2026 to acquit ex-neurologist Jeffrey Sloka of 48 counts of sexual assault. (CBC)

Appeal Brings ‘A Sense Of Relief’: Advocate

Sara Casselman, executive director at Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASCWR), expressed her views to stating that she believes Sloka’s trial resulted in “a gross miscarriage of justice,” welcoming news about The Crown’s appeal.

“When we saw that The Crown had filed an appeal, we had a sense of relief,” Casselman said.

“Allowing this verdict without it being reviewed would have been devastating for all survivors involved but also detrimental overall for justice within our system.”</pp

Casselman attended court when Sloka received his verdict and commented how it damages public trust concerning justice related to sexual assault cases.
Sara Casselman executive director at Sexual Assault Support Centre speaks with complainants regarding former neurologist Jeffrey Sloka’s case.(Aastha Shetty/CBC)

Said it’s been tough for survivors who’ve endured this long process from investigation through trial which has taken almost ten years so far.

Acknowledged this appeal could mean many more years ahead potentially involving these survivors.

“I know it’s going take its toll on those survivors choosing move forward,” she noted.

Adds her organization will continue providing support throughout as this appeals process unfolds.
LISTEN | What Is Media Tainting And How Did It Affect The Verdict In The Case?

The Morning Edition – K-W11:00What is media tainting and how did it affect The verdict?

“Media tainting.” This term used repeatedly-58 times-in Justice Craig Parry’s recent judgment regarding former Kitchener neurologist Jeffrey Slokas’ non-guilty outcome raises questions too! Stacey Hannem-a criminology professor from Wilfrid Laurier University-provides insight into what exactly constitutes “media tainting.”

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