Suspended Hamilton gangs, weapons cop faces yet another charge

A suspended Hamilton Police gang and weapons enforcement detective has already been found guilty of three charges after a gun was planted in a suspect's home.

Now, Det. Const. Robert Hansen has pled not guilty to a new Police Services Act charge — contacting another suspended officer, Craig Ruthowsky.

Hansen appeared at his first hearing on Friday to answer one count of insubordination. He appeared with his lawyer, Belchoir Arruda, and said only two words — "not guilty."

Hansen's charge stems from the allegation that he contacted Ruthowsky, "directly or indirectly," when his 2012 notice of suspension forbade it.

Ruthowsky, who served with Hansen on the gangs and weapons enforcement unit, faces his own set of criminal charges that include conspiracy to traffic cocaine, participating in the activities of a criminal organization and breach of trust. He was arrested as part of a series of raids for Project Pharoah, which focused on a Toronto gang, the Monstarz.

• Guilty: Hamilton cop 'encouraged' informant to plant gun at suspect's home

• Project Pharaoh: Rexdale gang Monstarz tied to violence in GTA

As for Hansen, he was found guilty in Superior Court last month of perjury and two counts of obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from an incident where a gun was planted in a suspect's home.

This new Police Services Act charge could mean demotion or dismissal for Hansen, said Hamilton Police lawyer Marco Visentini at Friday's hearing. Hansen is a 12-year veteran of the force and has been suspended with pay since 2012.

Hansen's next hearing will be a teleconference call at 9 a.m. on May 30.