A Toronto police officer is facing criminal charges after being accused of sexually assaulting two of his subordinates, according to authorities.
The officer, whose name has not been released, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault with a weapon. The alleged incidents occurred between 2017 and 2020, while the officer was working in the Professional Standards Unit.
According to a statement from the Toronto Police Service, the officer’s alleged actions were reported to the Professional Standards Unit in February 2020. An investigation was launched and the officer was immediately suspended with pay.
The investigation was then turned over to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), an independent agency that investigates incidents involving police officers in Ontario. After reviewing the evidence, the SIU determined that there were grounds to lay criminal charges against the officer.
The officer has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17. He has also been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the criminal charges.
In a statement, Toronto Police Chief James Ramer expressed his disappointment and emphasized that the alleged actions of this officer do not reflect the values and standards of the Toronto Police Service.
The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by police officers, including sexual assault. The unit is made up of experienced investigators who are trained to handle sensitive and complex cases.
The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its members and takes any allegations of misconduct seriously. The service encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed any form of misconduct to come forward and report it.
The SIU is also urging anyone with information about this case to contact them at 1-800-787-8529. The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.
This incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that all allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The Toronto Police Service remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within its ranks.
