A City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services officer faces theft charges following an investigation into drugs missing from evidence storage at the detachment in Lindsay.
In December 2017, police Chief John Hagarty contacted the commissioner of the OPP. He requested the OPP to conduct an investigation into allegations that drug exhibits had been unlawfully removed from the property and evidence storage area at the detachment on Victoria Avenue North.
Hagarty announced Tuesday the OPP’s investigation has been concluded.
Det. Const. Jeff Burke has been charged with theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and breach of trust.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 31 in Lindsay.
Burke has been a member of the service for 13 years. He has been suspended with pay.
“Detective Constable Burke has been suspended from duty while these charges are before the courts,” stated Hagarty. “An investigation into potential misconduct under the Police Services Act is continuing.”
At a press conference, Hagerty told reporters a female officer working that night tipped off her superiors when she saw Burke – who was off-duty inside the building and she became suspicious.
The chief wouldn’t comment on the quantity of drugs taken other than they were all evidence pending criminal trials. He said it’s too early to know whether any trials could be impacted.
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