10/03/2012

Fantino denies ignoring corruption complaints b senior officer - Toronto - CBC News

Fantino denies ignoring corruption complaints by senior officer

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 9, 2006 9:55 AM ET
CBC News

Toronto's former police chief is playing down accusations from a senior anti-corruption investigator that cases of misconduct and criminal activity have been swept under the carpet. Julian Fantino insists he never turned a blind eye or covered up incidents of wrongdoing while leading the police force. "For the time I was there, every issue that needed to be dealt with in the greater public good in keeping with my oath of office and my responsibilities was done in a forthright and open manner, and that's all I can say," Fantino said Monday.

Sgt. Jim Cassells. (File photo)

Sgt. Jim Cassells, a 29-year police veteran and a former member of a special task force into drug squad corruption, has alleged eight to 10 cases he investigated were never acted upon. Cassells says he found evidence of criminal activity that implicated 17 officers, but only six were ever charged. He says the other 11 officers haven't even been disciplined.
FROM MAY 5, 2006:

Toronto police force needs cleanup: veteran officer

Fantino said he has no idea what Cassells is talking about. "I can't infuse myself into what he is saying. I don't have a whole lot of knowledge about what he's saying," said Fantino. "I'm not in a position to stand here and have a de facto trial, or analysis, or assessment of what he's alleging. Those things I'm sure will work their way through the system. You and I will have to wait to see what that's about all of that."
FROM MAY 4, 2006:

Senior officer faces charge after talking to reporter

Details of Cassells's allegations could come out Thursday when he appears before a police disciplinary tribunal. He was charged last week with misconduct for talking to the media. Cassells said he spoke to a Toronto Star reporter because he was frustrated at being ignored by higher-ups.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/stor /2006/05/09/tor-fantino060509.html

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