Accused officer was suspended in February
A Whitehorse RCMP officer has been charged with sexual assault.
A Whitehorse RCMP officer has been charged with sexual assault.
On May 25, a male RCMP officer was charged with one count of sexual assault in relation to his on-duty conduct, police said today.
The charge stems from an alleged incident on Jan. 4 this year when a female RCMP employee was allegedly touched without consent while she was on duty at RCMP headquarters in Whitehorse.
Shortly after the alleged incident occurred, it was reported to Yukon RCMP senior managers.
A criminal investigation was then initiated, along with the internal RCMP Conduct process.
Following consultation with the Yukon Department of Justice and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), it was determined that the statutory investigation would be led by a senior Yukon RCMP investigator, and then reviewed by ASIRT once complete.
The investigation and review concluded that a charge for sexual assault was recommended.
The officer, whose name was not released, is scheduled to appear in territorial court on June 14.
The officer in question has 17 years’ service with the RCMP.
He has been suspended with pay since Feb. 6.
The RCMP Conduct process is continuing.
As the matter is now before the court, police said today, no further information will be provided.
Comments (13)
Up 15 Down 7
In the know... on Jun 8, 2017 at 2:57 am
Terri, one of the officers charged years ago was transferred to Happy Valley Labrador. Figure if they make him go somewhere really remote from even here, it will go away. He was found not guilty, at least in court. I have a different opinion and I think Labrador residents should be appalled.
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Just Sayin' on Jun 7, 2017 at 5:30 pm
I can tell you from experience that the RCMP will investigate a charge especially when it is SA, but they will arrest the accused right away. As well, most of these investigations are poorly done and most of the evidence is hearsay. The issue which arises is why was this person allowed to continue to have access to confidential files. Plus, this victim had to see this person every single day. The justice system is riddled with flaws and it commences with allegations and then the RCMP. The RCMP need a complete overhaul and should be treated like they treat their citizens.
Up 23 Down 8
Mj on Jun 7, 2017 at 2:31 am
@give me a break
Sure jump to "throw the book at him" without any context to the alleged assault...or even any evidence at all, merely the fact that an allegation was made that "something happened". That seems reasonable. There are a wide array of possibilities for what a sexual assault is. From the stupid and innocent act taken the wrong way to the absolute worst society has to offer. You seem to assume the worst.
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Jane smith on Jun 7, 2017 at 1:02 am
RCMP are not allowed to investigate themselves without oversight. It adds extra layers of bureaucracy to the investigation, which is why there is frequently a delay in charging RCMP officers. If you want to know the officer's name, go to the Courthouse on the day of his first appearance, or get a copy of the Information from the court registry. Both are open to the public. In short, get off your ass if you actually want information about the details of this case.
Up 14 Down 31
Terri Szabo on Jun 6, 2017 at 1:18 pm
The two police officers mentioned in the links below were "found to be not guilty" and transferred to another area of Canada. I wonder where? Anybody know? I know one of them had a pregnant wife at the time. The 5th Estate or W5 should do a story on RCMP Officers. Some of the posts talk about whether or not a person is guilty or not of a crime. In our current judicial system, if you have money to hire a good lawyer you can get away with anything. If you are poor you will go directly to jail. Also one of the police officers charged in Watson Lake had a brother who played in the NHL so money was not any issue for him.
These officers are supposed to protect and serve with their gun, not their 3rd leg!
http://www.yukon-news.com/news/mounties-drugged-and-raped-me-alleged-victim
http://www.yukon-news.com/news/rcmp-officers-acquitted-of-sexual-assault
Up 42 Down 21
Tom Stevens on Jun 6, 2017 at 7:42 am
I can assure you that if you were a teacher, fireman, politician the good ole boys of the RCMP would have your name in lights for all to see. Why is it when it is one of their own screw ups that they get protected. Even if you are a bad mountie, you still get protection.
Up 30 Down 18
Ken Putnam on Jun 5, 2017 at 10:41 pm
Well "yukonresident" to start with it's pathetic you can't use your own name when making such statements. Your rant is four sentences long and each and every one of your sentences is 100% wrong. Nice try though.
Up 33 Down 18
yukoner on Jun 5, 2017 at 6:59 pm
An allegation of assault by a spouse results in the the husband being automatically arrested and having numerous conditions being imposed on him. Guilty until proven innocent is the MO. The case might make it to trial a year later. In the meantime the man has this bogus charge hanging over his head with repercussions on employment, finances, social standing, etc. Domestic violence legislation is extremely biased against men and ignores the charter of rights. It is time for men who have been falsely accused to form an organization and fight back against this unfair legislation. Enough is enough!
Up 32 Down 7
Ukonresidentalso on Jun 5, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Yukonresident: Obviously you have no clue. Police simply cannot lay a charge the minute a person is arrested. You don't know the difference between "arrest" and "charge.
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umm no they dont on Jun 5, 2017 at 6:05 pm
TO yukonresident
Until there is enough evidence to charge someone-meaning thorough investigation to ensure success of prosecution there is no charge.
Up 19 Down 20
Give me a break on Jun 5, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Suspended with pay. Poor guy. Throw the book at him.
Up 31 Down 6
Max Mack on Jun 5, 2017 at 4:48 pm
@yukonresident
You say: " In Yukon when someone says they were sexually assaulted, the accused is immediately arrested."
I believe that the RCMP first conducts an investigation to determine if charges are warranted. However, given the current political climate, you may be correct that many men are invariably arrested and charged based solely on a woman's say-so.
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yukonresident on Jun 5, 2017 at 4:18 pm
I find it quite offensive that this officer was not officially charged when the initial complaint came in. In Yukon when someone says they were sexually assaulted, the accused is immediately arrested, before any thorough investigation is done they then live on conditions such as reporting to a bail supervisor, curfew, travel restrictions etc... that is if they get out of remand to await trial. They then must prove their innocence because in the eye of the law you are guilty already based on the restrictions put upon you at the time you are arrested. No innocent until proven guilty here... unless you are a member of the RCMP.