The Haldimand County Crown attorney's office has withdrawn two counts of sexual assault against prominent Six Nations businessman Ken Hill.
The founding partner and co-owner of cigarette manufacturer Grand River Enterprises was charged on July 24, 2009, following an investigation by Ontario Provincial Police into an alleged incident at Pottahawk Point, which is on the north shore of Long Point.
Hill, 51, was accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman a day after a large gathering of boaters known as the Pottahawk Point Party.
Defence lawyer Dean Paquette said Crown counsel Shane Hickingbottom advised Ontario Court Justice Gethin Edward he was withdrawing the charges because there was no prospect of obtaining a conviction in the case.
"Ken Hill is ecstatic and relieved that the ordeal is over, but he remains confident that had this matter gone to trial, he would have been exonerated," Paquette said.
"He believes that the withdrawal of these charges confirms that he was innocent of any wrongdoing."