2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault

Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a “vulnerable” woman while on-duty, authorities announced Tuesday.

The investigation into the members of the Central Saanich Police Service began on Oct. 28 after “a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty,” the Vancouver Police Department, which led the investigation, said in a statement.

Matthew Ball, 43, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust. Ryan Johnston, 40, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.

At a news conference, Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson said the investigation thus far has proceeded “covertly,” in order to gather the evidence necessary to secure charge approval.

“These arrests are part of an active and ongoing investigation into alleged sexual offenses committed by the two officers while on duty in Central Saanich and dating back to January 2019,” she said.

Both men were arrested on their way to work Tuesday morning, and they remain in custody.

“Details of these arrests may shock many of you. They will reverberate throughout the community in which these officers serve, and beyond, allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe,” she said.

The investigation is ongoing, Wilson said, but the two men are not alleged to have worked together.

“The current evidence suggests that each officer formed separate intimate and inappropriate relationships with the woman at different times after meeting her during the course of their duties. Those relationships led to the alleged crimes for which the officers have now been charged,” Wilson said.

The victim is in her mid 20s, and Wilson applauded her for her bravery.

“I would like to speak directly to the woman who came forward several weeks ago to initiate this investigation. You trusted that police would believe you, support you, and investigate these extremely serious allegations with the tenacity that has led to today’s arrests. Without your courage, we would not be here today,” Wilson said.

This is a developing story. More to come.