Doctor accused of sexually assaulting RCMP candidates won’t be charged: RNC

The other shoe has dropped in the investigation of a retired doctor accused of sexually assaulting multiple RCMP officers and recruits.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed to Global News on Thursday that it has concluded its investigation into seven cases and that there will be no charges laid.

Const. James Cadigan, a spokesperson for the RNC, said all of the complainants have been notified of the force’s conclusions.

The news comes only two days after the Halifax Regional Police finalized its investigation into complaints laid by 152 people — concluding that a 14-month investigation “did not support the laying of charges.”

READ MORE: Former Mountie calls decision to drop sex assault probe against doctor ‘humiliating’

The decision to not lay charges despite a total of 159 people making complaints against the retired doctor — alleging unwarranted rectal, breast and gynecological examinations during health assessments between 1981 and 2003 — has produced bitter fallout.

“It either boils down to incompetency or dishonesty,” says one complainant, whose identity Global News has agreed to protect.

Although neither police force has released the name of the doctor, Global News has previously identified him as Donald MacLeod Campbell, who worked for the RCMP until 2003.

The former RCMP recruit calls his applicant medical exam sickening.

“I don’t think it was necessary to give somebody in their 20s a rectal probe,” he said.

The complainant took his cue from RCMP senior management, which he says suggested the doctor abused his position of power.

“What encouraged me to come forward was their public statements saying that it wasn’t their policy to do such probes and that they had no knowledge of it,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "What encouraged me to come forward was their public statements saying that it wasn't their policy to do such probes and that they had no knowledge of it," he said.

But in February, the RCMP told Global News that its previous policy “included breast, rectal and genital examination.” The policy was established in 1986 for applicants and in 1987 for regular members.

The organization previously indicated those procedures were routinely performed on applicants until 2009 and on serving members until 2007. Those dates suggest that for at least the bulk of the time period included in the allegations, those invasive procedures were permitted.

WATCH: Halifax police decline to charge retired doctor accused of sexually assaulting RCMP recruits

1:13 Halifax police decline to charge retired doctor accused of sexually assaulting RCMP recruits

Campbell has denied the allegations and told Global News that he was performing a normal medical exam.

Global News was unable to reach Campbell for comment.

Earlier this year, Toronto police decided against charging a former RCMP doctor there who was facing similar allegations.

A lack of criminal charges doesn’t mean the case is over. There’s a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of people who were examined by the Halifax and Toronto doctors.

The lawsuit claims three women in Toronto complained to their RCMP superiors but that there was no police investigation.

The RCMP issued its own statement shortly after the Halifax police released its decision on Tuesday.

“This outcome is undoubtedly disappointing and frustrating for survivors, and our role, as an organization, as leaders and as colleagues, is to offer support while respecting privacy and confidentiality,” said Corp. Lisa Croteau, a spokesperson for the Halifax District RCMP.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This outcome is undoubtedly disappointing and frustrating for survivors, and our role, as an organization, as leaders and as colleagues, is to offer support while respecting privacy and confidentiality," said Corp. Lisa Croteau, a spokesperson for the Halifax District RCMP.

Croteau said that the Nova Scotia RCMP participated “fully” in the HRP’s investigation and that “various steps have been taken since to ensure survivors, both those who have come forward and those who have not, are aware of services and supports available to them through the RCMP.”

—With files from the Canadian Press