Judge dismisses 1 assault charge for Thunder Bay, Ont., police officer, but 2 trials remain

The Ontario Court of Justice has dismissed one charge of assault against a Thunder Bay police officer, though he still has two trials ahead of him for other matters. 

The assault trial for Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini began Monday in the northwestern Ontario city and ended Thursday with a dismissal. The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in Thunder Bay in August 2014, according to court documents obtained by CBC.

After a nearly two-year investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police announced in December 2023 that Dimini was charged with:

• Two counts of assault.
• Breach of trust.
• Obstruction of justice.

Dimini still has to return to court for:

• A trial confirmation hearing scheduled for April 4 in relation to an alleged assault in October 2016.
• A trial confirmation hearing scheduled for May 2 in relation to the breach of trust charge, in connection with his duties as a police officer in November 2020. 

None of the charges against Dimini have been proven in court. He has pleaded not guilty.

Different judges from out of town will oversee the remaining trials.

Dimini was released from custody after being charged and suspended from the Thunder Bay Police Service with pay, as per the Police Services Act. His release was conditional upon not possessing any weapons or firearms, and refraining from contacting 85 different people. 

Alleged misconduct by Dimini was also laid out in human rights complaints filed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission.