Calgary, AB,
15
June
2016
|
15:56
America/Denver

Multiple Calgary Police Service officers charged

A nearly two-year investigation into the conduct of both current and retired members of the Calgary Police Service has culminated in a number of charges. Three officers, one former officer of the Service, one former civilian member of the Service and one citizen were charged on Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

In August 2014, a woman came forward with allegations of harassment by a group of individuals she believed had been hired by her ex-common-law husband. The investigation by the CPS Anti-Corruption Unit revealed that her ex had hired a man, who in turn hired a number of individuals to follow her and report her activity back to her ex.

The man who was initially hired by the ex is a retired officer of the CPS who was involved in security work after he left the Service. Investigators believe he, in conjunction with his wife who is a former civilian member of the CPS, engaged the services of three current members of the CPS to unlawfully follow, watch and harass the victim. In addition, the members allegedly accessed police databases to gain private information about the victim to assist in their actions.

The Director of Law Enforcement was notified of this investigation on Monday, April 6, 2015, and directed CPS to continue with the investigation.

The file was sent to the Alberta Special Prosecutions Branch in Edmonton on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, for review. As a result of the investigation, the following people have been charged:

Kenneth Robert CARTER, 65, has been charged with criminal harassment and perjury. He will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. CARTER is the ex-common-law husband of the victim.

Stephen Charles WALTON, 59, has been charged with criminal harassment, bribery of officers, improper storage of a firearm and perjury. He will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. Stephen WALTON was a sworn member of the CPS from 1978 to 2003.

Heather Naomi WALTON, 53, wife of Stephen WALTON, has been charged with criminal harassment, bribery, and improper storage of a firearm. She will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. Heather WALTON was employed as a civilian employee of the CPS between 1990 and 2003.

Anthony John BRAILE, 47, is charged with criminal harassment, bribery and unauthorized use of a computer. He will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. BRAILE is a 21-year member of the CPS who was dismissed from the Service earlier this year in relation to an unrelated matter and remains relieved from duty without pay.

Bryan Allan MORTON, 32, is charged with criminal harassment, bribery, unauthorized use of a computer and breach of trust. He will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. MORTON is a nine-year member of the CPS. MORTON was suspended with pay Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. His suspension status is currently under review.

Bradford Robert MCNISH, 58, is charged with bribery, unauthorized use of a computer and breach of trust. He will next appear in court on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016. MCNISH is a 14-year member of the CPS. MCNISH was suspended with pay Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. His suspension status is currently under review.

A Professional Standards Section investigation will proceed upon the conclusion of the criminal process.