Toronto Police are moving to dismiss a constable after he was charged Thursday by the province's police watchdog with sexual offences involving a female youth. The allegations against Const. Parsa Hazeri, 27, span several months and include serious criminal charges.
Charges and Allegations
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) stated that the alleged incidents occurred in Toronto between September and December of last year. Hazeri was arrested Thursday morning at SIU headquarters in Mississauga. He faces charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, transmitting sexually explicit material to a person under 16, communicating with a person under 16 for facilitating an offence, breach of trust, and careless handling of a firearm.
SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said Director Joseph Martino found reasonable grounds that the officer committed criminal offences against a female youth. Hazeri was held for a bail hearing and released on conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim. The SIU declined further comment to protect the fair trial interests of the accused.
Police Response and Suspension
Toronto Police confirmed they learned of the complaint against Hazeri, a three-year veteran assigned to 33 Division, in January and immediately notified the SIU. The same day, he was suspended under the Community Safety and Policing Act, removed from operational duties, and had his police powers revoked. After charges were laid, Chief Myron Demkiw initiated proceedings to terminate Hazeri's employment and served him with a pay suspension notice.
The Toronto Police Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hazeri's next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
