News Release
SIU Lays Charge Against OPP Officer in Sexual Assault Investigation
Case Number: 21-PSA-156
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in Ottawa, formerly Rideau Township.
On May 18, 2021, the SIU received a complaint of sexual assault that had allegedly occurred between 1995 and 1998. The SIU launched an investigation.
As a result of the SIU investigation, Cst. Donald Hickey is charged with one count of sexual assault contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code.
Mr. Hickey is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 161 Elgin Street in Ottawa on October 27, 2021.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
Note: This news release has been corrected to reflect that the officer is not retired.
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
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES