ORILLIA — A 22-year veteran OPP officer has been charged with assault and sexual assault.
The staff sergeant was off duty at the time of the alleged incident in June 2017. He was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the force’s Professional Standards Bureau and faces one count of assault and one count of sexual assault.
OPP isn’t disclosing the name of the officer or where he worked, “to protect the identity of the victim(s),” according to a media release.
When asked if there could be more than one victim, Staff Sgt. Carolle Dionne said police are aware of one, but added, “because the investigation is fluid and ongoing, potentially, yes.”
She would not say whether the accused and the accuser were known to one another.
If it is determined there are more victims, or if police have more information to make public, they will release it, Dionne said.
The accused officer has been suspended with pay, as per the Police Services Act, she said.
If the officer is found guilty, the Professional Standards Bureau will begin a disciplinary hearing to determine what action to take, she added.
The officer will be in court in May.
— OrilliaMatters.com
