Michel Charles Chrétien, is shown in this Dec. 18, 1990 file photo. The 33-year-old son of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was charged Friday with one count of sexual assault in Yellowknife. Photo: Ryan Remiorz/CP

Yellowknife RCMP charged the adopted son of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien with sexual assault last night after a preliminary investigation into a complaint filed by an 18-year-old woman.

Michel Chrétien, 33, appeared before a Northwest Territories justice of the peace and was released from custody, provided he abides by conditions that were not immediately made public.

He is accused of attacking and assaulting a Yellowknife woman at his apartment on July 15, after the two spent the night drinking heavily with another friend.

The latest charges come in the most turbulent period of the Prime Minister's time in office. Recent polls show his popularity sagging under the weight of numerous cabinet ethics scandals, and a leadership showdown with former finance minister Paul Martin looms in February.

The victim's mother told the Northern News Service that she had contacted Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Liberal MP for the Western Arctic riding, to ask for information on how to contact the Prime Minister's Office in Ottawa to inform him the attack had occurred.

She also said Ms. Blondin-Andrew called her three times on Wednesday and urged her not to press charges against Mr. Chrétien.

Calls to Ms. Blondin-Andrew, who is secretary of state for children and youth, were referred to Ottawa lawyer Pat Santini.

Mr. Santini said the allegations are unfounded, though he confirmed the junior cabinet minister did speak with the victim's mother.

"She did have conversations with her. I can't comment on the content of the conversations except to say the woman's allegations are unfounded," Mr. Santini said.

He would not comment on whether Ms. Blondin-Andrew discussed an alleged assault with the woman, but said he had no information to suggest that the PMO had been involved. "I doubt it; I think the conversation was between the two of them," he said.

In June, 1992, Michel Chrétien was convicted of sexual assault for tying up and sodomizing a woman in his room at an apartment motel in Montreal. The incident was made public in May, 1990, while the Prime Minister was running for leadership of the Liberal Party.

The Prime Minister attended every day of his son's trial, sometimes sitting through morning court sessions in Montreal, driving two hours back to Ottawa for Question Period, then heading back to Montreal.

Michel Chrétien was released from custody on Feb. 25. 1997, and charged nine days later with assaulting the six-year-old son of a former girlfriend and breach of parole. He received a nine-month suspended sentence and was ordered to perform 60 hours of community service but avoided further jail time.

Mr. Chretien issued a statement last night in Ottawa saying he and his wife have stood by Michel in the past and will continue to do so.

"Aline and I were saddened to learn that our son, Michel, has been charged in connection with an incident in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, that may indicate a recurrence of his long-standing troubles with substance abuse.

"As any parents who love their children, we have suffered when our son has suffered and have been deeply concerned by any harm that may have come to others as a result of his conduct. We have been heartened at the progress he has been making and are deeply discouraged by his apparent relapse. We have offered all of our care and support to him in good times and bad, and we will continue to stand with him.

"We deeply appreciate the courtesy that Canadians have always shown in respecting our family's right to privacy on personal matters. As this matter is now before the courts, neither I nor my office will be making any further comment."

As of last night, there was no indication from the Prime Minister's Office of any change to his weekend itinerary, including today's audience with the Pope.

Michel Chrétien, who has been a graphic artist and an office-furniture designer, had returned to Yellowknife to live with his biological mother, a Gwich'in Indian with whom he was reunited after a 20-year separation.

With a report from Shawn McCarthy