Charged Mountie suspended with pay
Serious Incident Response Team says RCMP Const. Christopher Sorensen was charged as result of investigation launched in April in wake of exhibits, including cash, going missing
A Mountie based in Woodstock is facing allegations of theft and breach of trust after evidence has gone missing, according to a regional policing watchdog agency.
And the New Brunswick RCMP has confirmed the officer in question has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the case.
The Nova Scotia/New Brunswick Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) issued a news release Monday morning, announcing that RCMP Const. Christopher Sorensen with the provincial crime reduction unit out of Woodstock, faces four counts of theft and one of breach of trust by a public officer.
“On April 15, 2024, the SiRT received a referral from the RCMP J Division regarding missing and unaccounted for exhibits, including cash, that had been previously seized in the course of an investigation,” the release said.
That investigation led to the charges against Sorenson, it said, which an officer laid in Woodstock provincial court Monday.
Sorenson is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Woodstock on Oct. 30 to answer to the charges.
In an emailed statement Monday, New Brunswick RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette confirmed Sorensen was suspended with pay, as per the provisions of the RCMP Act, once the issue came to light.
“These are serious allegations, and the New Brunswick RCMP is treating them as such,” he wrote.
“From the outset, the New Brunswick RCMP has been fully cooperating with the investigation by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT).”
Furthermore, Ouellette said, the RCMP’s professional responsibility unit is conducting its own separate Code of Conduct investigation.
“As the employer, the RCMP will proceed with appropriate actions pending the outcome of the legal proceedings,” he wrote.
“RCMP members are expected to hold themselves to a high moral and professional standard. We understand and respect the impact it can have on public trust when there is any allegation that a member has not met the standard that our communities deserve.”
Ouellette said the force will support any further investigation and the criminal proceedings against Sorensen “to ensure full accountability and transparency to the people of New Brunswick.”
He also noted the New Brunswick RCMP wouldn’t commenting any further on the matter, as did SiRT, with both agencies citing the fact that the matter was now before the courts.
SiRT handles all investigations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate-partner violence involving police officers, as well as other cases of public interest connected to police activity or alleged misconduct.
“Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation,” the release said.
The Fredericton Independent has reached out to the New Brunswick RCMP to inquire about Sorensen’s status with the force and is awaiting a response.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.