Skip to main content

Veteran Barrie police inspector's discreditable conduct hearing delayed again

Share

The scheduled Police Services Act appearance for Valarie Gates, the Barrie police inspector facing two charges of discreditable conduct, has been delayed again and adjourned for a month and a half.

The brief appearance over teleconference presided over by retired OPP Superintendent Morris Elbers lasted only a few minutes and was put over to October 30.

Lawyer Jessica Barrow said she and her counterpart for the defence, Joanne Mulcahy, require more time to allow for the defence to review disclosure regarding the initial discreditable conduct charge and subsequently have a meeting with the prosecution to discuss the path forward.

Gates, a police officer for about 26 years, including 19 years in Barrie, is married to Barrie police Chief Rich Johnston.

She was initially charged with one count of discreditable conduct on December 1, 2023, relating to what the service described as "an on-duty, internal incident."

Barrie Police Service confirmed the charge against the veteran officer was laid following an investigation conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership.

In June, Barrie police posted a notice of a second discreditable conduct charge against Gates on its website. It's believed both charges are related.

According to Barrie police, Gates remains on active duty.

She is expected to attend a teleconference on October 31 for the second discreditable conduct charge, that appearance was previously scheduled for Thursday.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion

opinion What are the best ways to boost your income in Canada?

Whether you're looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply give yourself greater financial stability, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew shares some of the best ways to boost your income.

Stay Connected