The founder of a Winnipeg organization aimed at helping inner-city youth is facing criminal charges following two incidents last summer.

Winnipeg police have charged Tim Barron Jr. with assault and two counts of threatening after receiving a complaint from a woman.

Barron told APTN that he turned himself in to authorities in early September and promised to continue with Four Sacred Hearts (FSH), even though at least two founding members recently left the group due to the accusations.

“Four Sacred Hearts, it’s not over. I still go for walks,” Barron told APTN. “It was never about me or any of these guys. It has always been about our people. Youth, adults and seniors who were affected by residential schools.

FSH was created by former gang members Jeremy Raven, Glen Hondz, Terrence Morin and Barron, who became a positive influence for Indigenous people affected by intergenerational trauma. The group also often traveled to First Nations communities to share their stories with young people.

For months, APTN investigators followed FSH as they delivered food in Winnipeg’s north end, held ceremonies and shared traditional teachings. “Root Causes: Sacred Heart” was scheduled to air Oct. 26, but APTN postponed its broadcast after the accusations against Barron came to light.

The documentary was supposed to tell Barron’s story of how he was introduced to gang life, found sobriety and tried to help others learn from his mistakes.

It was a sequel to the original 2022 documentary “Root Causes.”

FSH was formed shortly after its release.

Learn more:

Root Causes: The Inside Story of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Street Gangs

Barron continues to post photos on the FSH Facebook page during its weekly community walks, but Morin and Raven confirmed they were withdrawing from FSH while continuing the work separately.

“That’s not who I am, I’m just a man trying not to be defined by my past mistakes, I’m trying and working very hard to be better and further away from my past life. Looking of Mino-Pimatisiwin (“the good life”),” said Morin, crediting Barron for helping him change his life.

“But when it comes to Tim’s personal affairs, I can’t speak for him. This is his opportunity to speak on his behalf and tell his story.

Raven apologized to his followers and also said he considered Barron a brother.

“Even in this time of heartbreak and difficulty, there is a lot of healing that is needed on both sides, prayers, and I apologize to all the supporters,” Raven said. “I will always support the purpose and vision, even if I must respect the confidentiality of its affairs.”

Barron said he is on leave from his job at Whistling Wind Therapy Services while he awaits the outcome of the charges.

Barron is scheduled to appear in court on November 19.