A decorated sergeant with the Saint John Police Force finds his distinguished 37-year career in jeopardy after being charged with sexual assault this week.
The New Brunswick RCMP Major Crime Unit confirmed that 61-year-old Michael Patrick Brennan faces one count of sexual assault stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in Saint John. The veteran officer was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Saint John Provincial Court on December 2.
Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce issued a swift response, immediately suspending Brennan from duty. "We hold our officers to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct," Bruce stated. "These allegations are being taken with the utmost seriousness."
The case has reverberated throughout the law enforcement community, where Brennan was known as a long-serving member. His suspension comes amid growing scrutiny of police conduct across Canada and marks a dramatic fall for an officer who had spent his entire career with the Saint John Police Force.
RCMP investigators are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The police service has emphasized its commitment to transparency throughout the investigation process, acknowledging the potential impact on public trust in law enforcement.
This development represents one of the most significant internal challenges facing the Saint John Police in recent years, testing the department's accountability measures and relationship with the community it serves.
