A Toronto police officer, Const. Timothy Barnhardt, aged 56, has been charged in a comprehensive corruption investigation for allegedly trafficking police uniforms and mishandling a police-issued firearm, as per court documents. Barnhardt is facing 17 charges linked to the probe conducted by York Regional Police, with the court charge documents revealing extensive details beyond the initial information released by York Regional Police.
One of the charges against Barnhardt involves trafficking property, specifically clothing and uniforms belonging to the Toronto police, according to the court document. He is a co-accused in this charge, along with Brian Da Costa, 43, who was also arrested as part of the investigation. Da Costa, a civilian, is said to have ties to various criminal networks and is accused of orchestrating an illegal plan to operate cannabis dispensaries, as per his charges.
The court document sheds light on the three firearms-related charges faced by Barnhardt, all pertaining to his police-issued gun. Allegedly, Barnhardt stored his police-issued Glock 9-mm pistol in an unauthorized location, kept the weapon in his vehicle carelessly, and possessed the pistol for purposes deemed dangerous to public peace.
Patrick G. Watson, an assistant professor of criminology at the University of Toronto, emphasized the gravity of trafficking uniforms, referring to it as a severe breach of the trust agreement between police officers and the public they serve. Regarding the firearm charges, Watson expressed deep concern over the exploitation of police resources for criminal activities.
Toronto police declined to comment on the charges or confirm if they have reviewed their uniform inventory and distribution process. Spokesperson Nadine Ramadan stated that due to the charges being under court jurisdiction, direct comments couldn’t be provided.
York police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan labeled Barnhardt as the “genesis” of the investigation, claiming that Barnhardt leaked confidential information to criminals, facilitating targeted shootings. Barnhardt was denied bail in a Toronto court last week but was placed in protective custody. Court documents indicate that he possesses nearly two decades of experience within the Toronto police force.
The investigation by York police commenced last year following the discovery of an alleged conspiracy to eliminate a corrections management member from an Ontario detention center. A total of 27 individuals across the Greater Toronto Area now face charges in connection to the ongoing case, including allegations of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, breach of trust by a public officer, and obstruction of justice.
Peel Regional Police suspended three officers in connection to the investigation, though no charges have been filed against them as of now. In response to the corruption probe, Ontario’s inspector general of policing announced plans for a provincewide, independent review of all 45 police services in the province and their respective boards.