RCMP Officer Cleared in Sexual Assault Allegation

The province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) released its report today regarding an allegation of sexual assault involving a member of the RCMP.

On April 26, 2021, SiRT was contacted by the RCMP requesting SiRT take over an investigation commenced by the RCMP Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit and the Charlottetown Police Service in August 2020. The investigation stemmed from a complaint made by the Affected Party (“AP”) to the RCMP on May 7, 2020. The AP complained that they had been drugged and sexually assaulted by the Subject Officer (“SO”) in Nova Scotia in 2002-2003 and again in Charlottetown Prince Edward Island on February 2, 2020.

As part of the investigation, SiRT interviewed the AP, the SO, and a number of civilian witnesses, and reviewed text messages between the AP and the member.

The investigation determined that there had been sexual encounters between the AP and the SO both of which were consensual. Based on statements and other evidence gathered in this investigation there are no reasonable and probable grounds to conclude that the SO committed a sexual assault against the AP. Therefore, there are no grounds to consider any charge against the SO.

The full report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

The team can independently begin an investigation after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.

Media Contact:

Felix Cacchione

Director

902-718-9707