An investigation by the Vancouver Police Department has led to two officers from the Central Saanich Police Service being charged with sexual assault.
The VPD initiated a criminal investigation on Oct. 28 at the request of Central Saanich Police Service, after a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty.
Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, the BC Prosecution Service charged: Sgt. Matthew Ball, 43, with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, for the alleged offences that occurred between Feb. 1, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2023; and Const. Ryan Johnston, 40, with one count of sexual assault for alleged offences that occurred between Feb. 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020, both in the District of Central Saanich.
"Details of these arrests may shock many of you. They will reverberate throughout the community in which these officers serve and beyond," said VPD Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson. "Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe."
The current evidence suggested that each officer formed separate, intimate, and inappropriate relationships with the victim at different times after meeting her during the course of their duties.
Wilson concluded the conference by speaking directly to the victim.
"You trusted that police would believe you, support you, and investigate these extremely serious allegations with the tenacity that has led to today's arrests. Without your courage, we would not be here today," she said.
Central Saanich Police Services say the members have now been suspended and the process to seek suspension without pay is underway.
"The arrests today enabled CSPS to move forward with the suspension process as doing so prior to the arrest would have alerted the individuals to the investigation," according to a release from the police service.
"Central Saanich is a small community where many people know police officers by first name. Obviously, these allegations impact that public trust. It is critical that victims feel safe coming forward."
Central Saanich Police Services has ensured through the VPD that the victim has had access to support including Victim Services.
“Regardless of who is accused, when these allegations were brought forward, they were taken very seriously, acted upon immediately and resulted in criminal charges,” said Central Saanich Chief Const. Ian Lawson, adding he would not comment further to ensure the integrity of the case is not impacted.
Wilson told reporters that they can't share many details about the victim, other than she is in her mid-20s, and she was in a "vulnerable position" when she met the officers.
Ball joined the CSPS in 2016 following a 12-year stint with the Calgary Police Service, and Johnston, who was commended for his "exceptional service at a call for service" in 2020, joined CSPS in 2017.
The investigation was prompted after CSPS asked VPD to investigate the officers in October, and over seven weeks, a specialized team of sex crime investigators was formed to conduct the investigation under the command of Wilson.
Both suspects were taken into custody Tuesday morning by members of the Vancouver Police Department, with assistance from the Victoria Police Department. They are both in custody and awaiting bail hearings.
The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call 604-717-0604.
