Sexual assault charges against a decorated St. John’s firefighter have been dismissed.

Fifty-two-year-old Ron Pomeroy was charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a 17-year-old girl.

The offences were alleged to have occurred between February and May of 2023.

Pomeroy pleaded not guilty and trial dates were set and postponed as work continued behind the scenes on the case.

Then this morning, the Crown announced they would be calling no evidence, saying they believe there is no reasonable likelihood of a conviction.

That was followed by the defence request for the charges to be thrown out, which was granted by the judge.

It’s alleged there was a consensual relationship between Pomeroy and the girl, but it came down to whether he breached his position of trust toward her.

“This decision does not reflect the evidence gathered by police or the credibility of the complainant,” stated Crown prosecutor Tim O’Brien. “The evidence suggests that the factual underpinnings of the allegations were accurate, and that a relationship between Mr. Pomeroy and the girl did exist as described by her.

“Unfortunately these facts do not support the legal criteria required for a conviction in this matter.”

The girl’s father was visibly upset with today’s developments but declined comment for now.

Pomeroy is a 33-year veteran of the fire department, and was a captain when the charges were laid in December of 2023.

A former firefighter of the year, he is also a past board member with the executive of the union, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1075.

In 2019 he received the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.