More charges for Kawartha Lakes officer

At the conclusion of the criminal investigation and arrest of Detective Constable Jeff Burke on April 10, an investigation into misconduct under the Police Services Act was commenced by the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

During the misconduct investigation, additional evidence of possible criminal offences was discovered.

That evidence was immediately turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police who continued the investigation.

On Wednesday May 2 investigators with the Ontario Provincial Police swore to additional information against Detective Constable Jeff Burke.

He has been charged with two counts of fraud under $5000 and one count of breach of trust for allegedly defrauding pharmacies of prescription medication.

The accused will attend court at the Ontario Court of Justice on May 31.

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.

Original Charges

In December 2017, 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. On April 10 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.

Burke was been suspended from duty while the charges are before the courts. An investigation into potential misconduct under the Police Services Act continued. Burke has been a member of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service for 13 years.