A police officer from Sidney has been charged with possessing and producing child pornography and has been discharged from the RCMP.
Island District Chief Superintendent Ray Bernoties stated in a media release Monday afternoon that the man — who is not being named as charges had not yet been approved by the Crown — is alleged to have committed the offences while he was off duty.
“This alleged behaviour is deplorable,” stated Bernoties. “The officer was immediately suspended and a Code of Conduct investigation was initiated. Within 24 hours of his arrest we accepted his discharge documents.”
As a private citizen the officer will no longer be subject to any discipline under the RCMP Act, stated the media release.
The former officer with the Sidney North Saanich RCMP is expected to appear in provincial court on Feb. 20.
The investigation is being led by the Westshore RCMP Major Crime Unit. The accused was arrested in late December, 2013.