Police officer charged after criminal investigation

In December 2017, Kawartha Lakes Police Chief John Hagarty contacted the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and requested that the OPP conduct an investigation into allegations that drug exhibits had been unlawfully removed from the property and evidence storage area at the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

That investigation has now concluded. Today, Detective Constable Jeff Burke was charged with Theft Under $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 and Breach of Trust. He will have his first appearance in a Lindsay court on May 31, 2018.

Detective Constable Burke has been suspended from duty while these charges are before the courts.

An investigation into potential misconduct under the Police Services Act is continuing.

Detective Constable Burke has been a member of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service for 13 years.