Sexual assault charges withdrawn against Ottawa police superintendent
Criminal charges were withdrawn last week against Ottawa police Supt. Mark Patterson three years after he was suspended from the force amid allegations of sexual assault and breach of trust.
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Assistant Crown attorney Vlatko Karadzic and Patterson's defence lawyer Mark Ertel confirmed all charges were dropped during an appearance in Ottawa's Superior Court on June 24.
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Karadzic said the charges were dropped after the complainant at the centre of the police investigation expressed that she no longer wanted to participate in the criminal justice proceedings.
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Patterson, 56, was suspended with pay on June 15, 2022 during an Ontario Provincial Police investigation into the allegations, and was formally charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust on Dec. 8, 2022.
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According to his court file, one of the sexual assault offences was alleged to have occurred between June and August 2019, while the other was alleged to have occurred between Dec. 2018 and May 2022. The charges related to the same female complainant, whose identity is shielded by a publication ban customary in cases involving allegations of sexual assault.
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At the time the charges were announced, Chief Eric Stubbs said in a news release that the Ottawa Police Service 'takes all allegations of sexual assault and harassment very seriously. We have no tolerance of either. It is damaging and debilitating to all those impacted. The allegations and charges in this case are very serious and it is important that we respect the judicial process and for all the facts to be heard.'
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The statement also said the OPS 'remains committed to creating a workplace where all members feel safe, respected and supported' through its Joint Strategy on Workplace Sexual Violence and Harassment Project.
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Patterson remains suspended with pay during a disciplinary investigation under the Police Services Act, which is also being led by the OPP.
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'We are aware of the court's decision and are currently reviewing the matter,' Ottawa police said in a statement.
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The professional standards investigation 'is still outstanding and… that process will now continue. Further updates will be provided when available,' police stated.
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