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Two Central Saanich police officers charged in criminal investigation by Vancouver Police
Posted December 17, 2024 3:28 pm.
Last Updated December 17, 2024 5:07 pm.
Two officers with the Central Saanich Police Department have been arrested and charged after a criminal investigation undertaken by Vancouver Police.
Forty-three-year-old Matthew Ball is charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust for offensive that allegedly occurred between Feb. 1, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2023. Forty-year-old Ryan Johnston is charged with one count of sexual assault for an alleged offence that took place between Feb. 6, 2020 and Mar. 8, 2020.
“Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe,” Fiona Wilson, Deputy Chief of the Vancouver Police Investigation Division, said in a statement. “To maintain trust in the criminal justice system, we must always be prepared to fully investigate allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within our own ranks, and to recommend criminal charges when compelling evidence exists.”
Vancouver Police began looking into the matter on Oct. 28 at the request of the Saanich Police Department after a woman in her mid-twenties came forward to police.
Ball holds the rank of sergeant and worked as a patrol officer prior to his arrest. He also served with the Calgary Police service for 12 years before being hired in Saanich in 2016. Wilson said Calgary Police have been informed of the investigation.
Johnston holds the rank of constable, worked in the general investigation section and was hired in Saanich in 2017.
Wilson said her team does not believe the officers acted together in the alleged offences. Rather it is believe they formed separate unlawful relationships with the victim.
Both officers have been suspended from their roles. Central Saanich Police Services tells 1130 NewsRadio that they are working to impose suspension without pay.
Both officers have been taken into custody pending bail hearings as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 604-717-0604.
