Vancouver Police Department (VPD) led an investigation into two Central Saanich Police officers, who have now been arrested and charged with criminal offences of sexual assault.
The investigation was launched on October 28th at the request of Central Saanich Police Service because a person came forward with information.
This informant reported that the two officers had “unlawful sexual contact” with an adult woman they met while on duty.
The woman was reportedly in a vulnerable position when she met these officers and when the unlawful conduct occurred.
Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, the BC Prosecution Service charged 43-year-old Matthew Ball with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, and 40-year-old Ryan Johnston was charged with one count of sexual assault.
Ball’s charges stem from reported events that took place between February 1st, 2019 and October 31st, 2023 while Johnston’s allegations occurred between February 6th, 2020 and March 8th, 2020.
Ball and Johnston were not suspended prior their arrests and only now has the process begun to suspend them without pay, according to Central Saanich Police.
Chief Ian Lawson of Central Saanich Police says that when the accusations were brought to his attention, it was deeply troubling.
“It would be an understatement to say that I was shocked and saddened to learn about these allegations,” Chief Ian Lawson.
Central Saanich Police said in a press releases that their community is a small one, where many people know officers by their first names, and they expect these arrests to impact people’s trust in their organization.
“Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe,” said Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson of the Vancouver Police Investigation Division.
“To maintain trust in the criminal justice system, we must always be prepared to fully investigate allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within our own ranks, and to recommend criminal charges when compelling evidence exists.”
Police say that both suspects were taken into custody Tuesday morning by VPD officers, with assistance from VicPD.
Chief Deputy Wilson says it is possible more charges may come forward as the investigation continues.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police ask anyone with information about the investigation to call VPD at 604-717-0604.
