Surrey RCMP officer arrested after Creep Catchers sting has court date
No criminal charges so far, but officer to appear in court Oct. 19
An RCMP officer who allegedly showed up for a meeting with a person posing as a 14-year-old girl has a scheduled court date — even though he hasn't been charged.
The officer, who has not been named, was arrested by police Sept. 9, on allegations including child luring and sexual exploitation. He was released from custody under conditions — including staying away from children under the age of 16 — with the expectation he will appear in court Oct. 19.
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Dan McLaughlin, spokesman for the Criminal Justice Branch, said the Crown has not decided whether to lay charges. However, Surrey RCMP exercised their right to request conditions be placed on the officer in the interim.
"It's not the common way these matters usually proceed," said McLaughlin.
"It sometimes happens that the police determine that in the interest of preservation of evidence or in the interest of public safety, that a person will be arrested and conditions imposed in order to preserve the status quo."
"We still have to go through our process of reviewing the materials to determine whether the investigation meets the charge assessment standards."
Acting RCMP commanding officer Brenda Butterworth-Carr told reporters last week the officer has been removed from duty and suspended.
With files from Maryse Zeidler and Yvette Brend