News Release
Peel Regional Police Officer Charged
Case Number: 12-OSA-365
Mississauga (30 May, 2013) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has reasonable grounds to believe that a former Peel Regional Police (PRP) officer committed a criminal offence against a 23-year-old woman in December of 2012, while the officer was still a member of the police service. Director Scott has caused a charge to be laid.
The SIU was contacted by PRP regarding a complaint of a sexual nature against the then-officer which was alleged to have taken place on December 14, 2012. As a result of the SIU investigation, former PRP Constable Abel Gomes is facing one charge of Sexual Assault, contrary to s. 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Mr. Gomes was arrested today by members of the SIU and subsequently released on certain conditions, including that he refrain from communicating directly or indirectly with the complainant.
Mr. Gomes is compelled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton on June 24, 2013. 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 an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations