Assault charges have been laid against a Chatham police officer, according to the Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS).
Police were notified Nov. 27 of an allegation regarding the conduct of one of their police constables, and based on the nature of the allegation, the Professional Standards Branch of the CKPS contacted the Windsor Police Service requesting investigation from an outside agency.
The Windsor Police Service has taken carriage of the criminal investigation, Staff Sgt. Mike Domony said in a media release.
“As a result of this investigation, Windsor Police Service Major Crime investigators have reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed the criminal offences of sexual assault and assault with a weapon. They have caused two charges to be laid,” Domony said.
Chatham-Kent Police Service Const. Andrew Jaconelli is now facing one count of sexual assault and one count of assault with a weapon in connection with an off-duty incident that occurred in November of 2017.
The officer appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Chatham on Dec. 14 and was released on a recognizance of bail with specific conditions that he has to adhere to. His next court date is Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Chatham courthouse.
The Chatham Kent Police Services Professional Standards Branch is conducting further internal investigations under the Police Services Act regarding the possibility of additional Police Service Act charges and a policy / procedure review as required. The involved officer was suspended from duty on December 14th, 2018. The officer has also been charged under the Police Services Act with “Discreditable Conduct.”
Any witness who has information regarding these allegations is encouraged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service Professional Standards Branch at 519-436-6617.
