The co-founder of Drive Electric NL, Jon Seary, is facing sexual assault charges.

The charges include one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference involving two complainants.

There is a publication ban on information that could identify them.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between August 25 and September 25 of last year in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

The 54-year-old Seary was charged in November and made his first court appearance in January.

On Friday, a lawyer entered not guilty pleas on his behalf, and trial before a provincial court judge was set for August.

As head of Drive Electric NL, Seary has been the self-described “face of EV adoption” in the province, spearheading the shift from gas to electric vehicles.

Contacted by VOCM News, Seary confirmed he has taken a leave of absence from the organization pending the outcome of the court process.