Toronto Police Officer Charged

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 22 /CNW/ - The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott , has reasonable grounds to believe that an officer with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) committed criminal offences in relation to an incident involving a 21-year-old man. Director Scott has caused charges to be laid against the officer.

The SIU was contacted on September 8, 2009 , regarding a complaint of a sexual nature against one officer with the TPS. The alleged incident occurred six days prior, on September 2, 2009 . The SIU was notified that on this date, the 21-year-old man was stopped for driving infractions. There was an interaction, and as a result, the man sustained injuries.

As a result of the SIU investigation, Constable Salameh Marji of the TPS is facing one charge of Sexual Assault, contrary to s. 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada and one charge of Assault, contrary to s. 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada .

A summons was served on the officer today, and he is compelled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at College Park Courthouse in Toronto on January 18, 2010 . The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the prosecution.

As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the charged officer and the community, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.

The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police. Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.

For further information: Monica Hudon, SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES, Telephone/No de telephone: [phone] or/ou 1-800-787-8529