A former Durham Regional Police officer is facing 22 charges, including seven counts of sexual assault, more than two decades after the alleged incidents. The charges stem from a renewed investigation by Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), into a case involving a teenage girl from 2003.
SIU Director Announces Charges
SIU Director Joseph Martino stated on Thursday that there are reasonable grounds to believe Kevin Seamons committed criminal offences against a female in relation to a sexual assault investigation that began in 2003. The SIU relaunched the probe two years ago after the complainant provided new information.
Arrest in Alberta
Following a Canada-wide warrant, Seamons was arrested by RCMP officers in Morinville, Alberta. He faces a total of 22 charges, including six counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault with a weapon, seven counts of sexual exploitation, one count of pointing a firearm, six counts of breach of trust, and one count of assault with a weapon.
Seamons was released on several conditions, including a prohibition on communicating directly or indirectly with the affected person. He is scheduled to appear in an Oshawa court on June 5.
Background of the Case
According to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services' 2006 annual report, the SIU opened a criminal investigation into the then-constable in October 2003 over an alleged sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl. No criminal charges were brought at that time, but the Durham Regional Police Service continued with its disciplinary investigation. Seamons pleaded guilty to 10 counts of misconduct but appealed his dismissal from the police service. His appeal was dismissed on September 28, 2006.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the SIU to re-examine historical allegations when new evidence emerges. The charges against Seamons include serious offences that carry significant penalties if proven in court.
