Pubdate: Tue, 06 Jan 2004
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: John Duncanson

T.O. OFFICER FACES MORE CHARGES

Member Of Drug Squad Was Released On $10,000 Bail

Special Task Force Is Investigating Allegations Of Corruption

A Toronto police officer who was a member of a drug squad now being 
investigated for corruption was released on bail in Orangeville yesterday 
after being charged with three drug-related offences.

Ned Maodus, 40, was charged with possession of heroin and cocaine for the 
purpose of trafficking, and possession of ecstasy.

The arrest of Maodus is only the second time the special task force 
investigating alleged corruption in the Toronto Police Service has laid 
charges since it was established in the summer of 2001.

But it's expected several more central drug squad officers could be charged 
criminally or under the Police Services Act either later this week or some 
time next week, sources say.

A special prosecutor has been reviewing the massive case file compiled by 
task force investigators for the past six months. Last week, the head of 
the task force, RCMP Chief Superintendent John Neily, said the work of his 
team was in its "final stages."

Neily's investigators have been probing allegations of theft and fraud by 
drug squad members. More than 115 drug cases have been stayed since the 
probe began, prompting some drug defendants to launch civil suits against 
the Toronto force and the officers who arrested them.

The lawsuits allege that police, in some cases, took money or other 
belongings during raids.

In turn, several drug squad officers have filed a civil suit naming Neily, 
Chief Julian Fantino, crown attorneys and others, claiming they are the 
subject of a witch hunt by the force.

Aside from Maodus, the only other officer charged by Neily's team has been 
Constable Robert Kelly, a drug squad officer who pleaded guilty in June to 
possessing 3.15 grams of cocaine. His sentencing hearing is still ongoing.

Maodus was released on $10,000 bail yesterday and ordered not to be in 
Dufferin County, where he faces separate weapons and assault charges, 
except to appear in court.

Maodus, a 15-year veteran, has been suspended from duty with pay since 
March 22, 2002. The prior charges were laid by Dufferin OPP two days earlier.

They include assault, sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, uttering 
threats and pointing a firearm -- all alleged against a female victim -- 
possession of a prohibited weapon and a restricted weapon, and storing 
firearms in a careless manner.
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