Penetanguishene jail guard taken off the job for alleged contraband smuggling
A jail guard in Penetanguishene accused of bringing contraband items into a correctional facility for inmates has been taken off the job.
Alexander Williams, 24, who was arrested in December, is also banned from the Central North Correctional Centre property.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched an investigation after staff at the correctional centre raised suspicions about Williams. OPP officers conducted a search and allege they found several items not permitted in the facility, including cannabis, tobacco and lighting tools.
Williams was subsequently charged with breach of trust by a public officer. He also faces charges in violation of the Cannabis Act, including possessing and distributing over 30 grams of dried cannabis.
The court heard on Thursday in a virtual courtroom that Williams' matter is on a path to resolution ahead of a judicial pre-trial.
CTV News reached out to Williams' lawyer and the union representing the correctional staff at the Penetanguishene jail, but neither wished to comment.
The allegations against Williams have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates 'I'm in financial ruin': Canadian homeowners sound alarm over contractor accused of fraud
This W5 investigation focuses on mother and daughter homeowners who found themselves in a fight with a general contractor over money they say they're owed, and over work that was never completed on their dream home.
Southern California wildfire destroys many structures; governor declares state of emergency
A wildfire whipped up by extreme winds swept through a Los Angeles hillside dotted with celebrity residences Tuesday, burning homes and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
Trump is open to using 'economic force' to acquire Canada; Trudeau responds
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said 'there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,' on the same day U.S. president-elect Donald Trump declared that he’s open to using 'economic force' to acquire Canada.
A B.C. mom's real-life nightmare and the search to find her trafficked daughter
A Vancouver island mom shares the story of what happened to her teenaged daughter – and a warning for other parents about sex trafficking.
Liberal leadership hopeful Frank Baylis noncommittal on eliminating consumer carbon tax
Liberal leadership hopeful Frank Baylis says eliminating the consumer carbon tax alone will not 'solve the affordability issue for Canadians.'
Canadian naval vessel shadowed by Chinese war ship in the East China Sea
CTV National News is on board the HMCS Ottawa, embedded with Canadian Navy personnel and currently documenting their work in the East China Sea – a region where China is increasingly flexing its maritime muscle. This is the first of a series of dispatches from the ship.
Patient dies in waiting room at Winnipeg hospital
An investigation is underway after a patient waiting for care died in the waiting room at a Winnipeg hospital Tuesday morning.
Limit coffee-drinking to this time window to lower early death risk, study suggests
Drinking coffee has repeatedly been linked with better heart health and prolonged life. But the benefits of coffee consumption could depend on when you drink it, new research has found.
B.C. 'childbirth activist' charged with manslaughter after newborn's death
A British Columbia woman who was under investigation for offering unauthorized midwifery services is now charged with manslaughter following the death of a newborn baby early last year.