Oleg Pokhanovski (UMANITOBA.CA)
WINNIPEG — A former University of Manitoba music professor has been charged in connection with the historic sexual assault of a teenage student.
Winnipeg police say the investigation began in February 2025 after a report was filed in another Canadian jurisdiction. Between 2007 and 2010, then-37-year-old Oleg Pokhanovski is alleged to have groomed and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl during and after private music lessons at the university. The assaults occurred off campus.
After the relationship ended, Pokhanovski allegedly tried to reinitiate contact through repeated emails.
Now 55, Pokhanovski turned himself in to police on July 29 and has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He remains in custody.
The U of M’s Desautels Faculty of Music website currently lists Pokhanovski as being on leave.
Police are encouraging other potential survivors of sexual assault to contact investigators at (204) 986-6172.
