Two more women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against a Newfoundland police officer, bringing the total number of lawsuits against him to four.
The two women, who have chosen to remain anonymous, filed their lawsuits on Monday, claiming that they were sexually assaulted by the officer while he was on duty. The officer, whose name has not been released, has been suspended with pay since the first lawsuit was filed in January.
According to the lawsuits, the women were both pulled over by the officer for traffic violations and were then subjected to sexual advances and assault. One of the women alleges that the officer forced her to perform a sexual act, while the other claims that he touched her inappropriately.
The lawsuits also allege that the officer used his position of authority to intimidate and coerce the women into complying with his advances. Both women are seeking damages for emotional distress and loss of income, as well as punitive damages.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has released a statement saying that they are aware of the new lawsuits and are taking the matter seriously. They have also stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation and have placed the officer on administrative duties.
The RNC has also urged anyone with information or who may have been a victim of the officer to come forward and speak to investigators.
These new lawsuits come after two other women filed similar lawsuits against the same officer in January. The officer has not been charged with any criminal offenses at this time.
The RNC has stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and will not tolerate any misconduct by their officers. They have also encouraged anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and report it to the police.
The lawsuits against this officer have sparked a larger conversation about the issue of sexual assault within law enforcement and the need for accountability and transparency. It is important for victims to feel safe and supported when coming forward with allegations of sexual assault, and for those in positions of authority to be held accountable for their actions.
The RNC has stated that they are committed to addressing these issues and will continue to work towards creating a safe and respectful environment for all members of the community. The investigation into these allegations is ongoing and the RNC has assured the public that they will provide updates as they become available.