Pubdate: Sat, 16 Dec 2006
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2006 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Katie Rook
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

EX-DRUG SQUAD OFFICER SUES FANTINO, POLICE BOARD

Toronto police officer Rob Correa has filed a $2.5-million lawsuit 
against former police chief Julian Fantino and the Toronto Police 
Services Board alleging he was negligently and maliciously prosecuted 
during a 2004 police inquiry.

None of the allegations in Mr. Correa's statement of claim filed with 
the Ontario Superior Court have been proven in court.

Mr. Correa, a former drug squad officer who joined the force in 1984, 
was charged under the Police Act in connection with links to a 
cocaine addict and convicted car thief. He was later acquitted.

In Mr. Correa's statement of claim, Mr. Fantino, who is now the OPP 
commissioner, is accused of orchestrating a news conference to 
"sabotage [Mr. Correa's] credibility in the eyes of the public and 
his fellow officers."

Mr. Fantino is also accused of being "involved in the conduct of wire 
intercepts of the Chair of the Police Services Board involving 
unknown investigations."

The document alleges Mr. Fantino sought to suppress the details of a 
police investigation "to protect his own reputation and policing 
future." Mr. Fantino is also said to have received "unauthorized 
gratuities from a businessman in Woodbridge."

Mr. Correa voluntarily left the drug squad and now works at 23 Division.

Neither Mr. Correa nor Mr. Fantino could be reached yesterday for comment.

A statement of defence has not been filed.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman