A South Simcoe police officer has been charged with nine counts of discreditable conduct.
The South Simcoe Police Service received a complaint on Oct. 27, 2023, from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director “that involved an interaction with a female that constituted a sexual assault allegation,” the force said in a news release.
South Simcoe police then contacted the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which invoked its mandate.
The constable, a 15-year veteran of South Simcoe police, was assigned to administrative duties, but has since been off on leave.
The SIU completed its investigation and determined it was unable to lay criminal charges. However, “through investigation of the initial complaint and further information that was revealed, it was determined that a Police Services Act investigation was warranted,” South Simcoe police said.
South Simcoe police asked the Barrie Police Service to investigate the matter. It decided nine counts of discreditable conduct “were substantiated involving two complainants.”
South Simcoe police is not releasing further information, including the officer’s name, “to protect the privacy of the complainants and maintain the integrity of the investigation.”
The case is before a police tribunal. The constable appeared virtually for a first appearance on Oct. 25 and is set to appear again via teleconference on Nov. 26 at 9 a.m.
