Kelowna RCMP officer suspended for allegedly sexting victim

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A Kelowna RCMP officer is under investigation for allegedly sexting a victim in a case he was involved in.

Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, senior media relations officer with the RCMP's E Division, confirms the Kelowna officer "is currently suspended with pay and his duty status is subject to continual assessment.
 
"I can also add that the RCMP has asked that the matter be assessed by an outside police department, who would then review and conduct a criminal investigation."

Shoihet says the force received information last week with allegations related to the Kelowna member and an ongoing criminal investigation. Due to privacy and process implications, Shoihet did not name the officer.

"In general, allegations of this nature are taken seriously and would be subject to an Internal Code of Conduct investigation overseen by our Professional Responsibility Unit. If the allegations are also criminal in nature, a statutory investigation would also be launched," she said in an email statement.

"This criminal matter is still before the courts and therefore we all need to ensure that we allow the judicial process to continue. We understand the matter will be continuing in the new year."

Shoihet said "RCMP acted immediately once we became aware of the information and we are confident that the comprehensive internal and external investigations currently underway will guide our actions moving forward."

The allegations are reportedly linked to a case in which a woman was badly beaten in Lake Country in April 2018.

RCMP responded to a home on McCreight Road after reports of a suspicious circumstance. When police arrived, they were met outside by a severely beaten woman, and a delirious and incoherent man.

Lonnie Noel Smith, 39, of Lake Country, was charged with numerous offences, including aggravated assault, unlawful confinement and uttering threats.