Former Calgary police officer charged with sexual assault in B.C.
Posted Dec 17, 2024 6:58 pm.
Two members of B.C.’s Central Saanich Police service, including one who was a Calgary police officer for more than a decade, have been charged with sexual assault after an investigation into alleged unlawful sexual contact with a woman they met while on duty.
Vancouver police Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson says the investigation was launched on Oct. 28 by the Vancouver department at the request of Central Saanich Police after the woman came forward about the alleged offences.
Police say 43-year-old Sgt. Matthew Ball, and 40-year-old Const. Ryan Johnston formed separate with a woman in her mid-20s who they met while on duty, and it does not appear that the two officers acted together.
“The current evidence suggests that each officer formed separate intimate and inappropriate relationships with the woman at different times,” said Wilson.
Wilson says Ball was hired by Central Saanich Police in 2016 after 12 years of service with Calgary police.
In a statement, Calgary police say there were informed one of their former members was charged with sexual assault and breach of trust.
“We are deeply disappointed that this former member is alleged to have conducted themselves in this manner,” reads the CPS statement. “This behaviour is not reflective of the values of our Service, nor the good work done by the majority of our members every day.”
CPS say they have cooperated fully with the Vancouver Police Department during the investigation.
Johnston, the other officer charged, has been with Central Saanich Police since 2017.
Wilson, who described the allegations as “shocking and disturbing,” says the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police.
