UPDATED: Man tried to fake death in Sask. to avoid charges: RCMP

RCMP believe a man tried to fake his own death to avoid sexual charges in Manitoba.

John Ross, 44, was reported missing by his wife Michelle Ross, 39, in August. Police were told that he was last seen at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, north of Swift Current.

Officers searched the area and Lake Diefenbaker for days but couldn’t find Ross. Officers got a tip that Ross was alive and hiding from police in Tompkins, Sask. Police said Ross believed if officers thought he was dead, he wouldn’t have to face charges in Manitoba.

Court records show Ross pleaded guilty in Winnipeg on April 25 to sexual interference, which is defined as touching someone under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose. Sentencing was set for Sept. 8 but then Ross disappeared. His new sentencing court date is Nov. 18, 2016.  

He was also charged with sexual assault and possessing child pornography, but those charges were stayed. All three charges allegedly took place from May 1, 2014 to June 6, 2014.

On Oct. 6, Swift Current Rural RCMP went to a home in Tompkins, Sask. where Ross and his wife were arrested and charged with public mischief.

Ross appeared in court on Oct. 11 where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months incarceration on his charges. He still will be sentenced for his charges in Manitoba. His wife was released and will be appearing in provincial court in Swift Current Nov. 14.