Prince George, B.C.- Former RCMP Inspector Tim Shields has been charged with sexual assault.

Working out of E Division headquarters,  Shields became a familiar  face  to British Columbians as he was the  E Division Media spokesperson  for  dozens of high profile  investigations and was often  the officer who appeared  in news stories  from Lower Mainland  television  stations.

According to the Criminal Justice Branch,  the alleged assault occurred between 2009 and 2010.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens  has  issued the following statement on the  charge:

“On Tuesday May10, 2016, the Criminal Justice Branch announced that a charge has been approved and an information sworn in connection with serious allegations involving a former member of the RCMP.

Insp Tim Shields has been charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with allegations that occurred between 2009 and 2010 at the former headquarters building for the RCMP in B.C.

The RCMP became aware of these allegations in 2013 resulting from a civil claim filed against the RCMP by another employee and the subsequent Code of Conduct investigation into that matter. There was insufficient evidence in this case at that time to proceed actively with the investigation.

In 2014 significant new information became available. At this time, an investigative team was formed consisting of professional standards and major crime investigators who utilized the major case management principles. The results of this detailed investigation were reported to Crown and ultimately resulted in the charge sworn today.

Internally, the RCMP Conduct investigation paralleled the criminal investigation. In May of 2015 sufficient evidence existed to suspend Tim Shields from duties. In December 2015 Tim Shields submitted his discharge documents from the RCMP. This effectively ended the jurisdiction of the RCMP to proceed with a conduct hearing on these allegations.

As the Commanding Officer I would emphasize that the RCMP pursued this investigation as it would any serious criminal matter, regardless that the suspect was a senior police officer. All internal process were pursued in this file.

Charges of this nature against a police officer are disturbing and are even more so that it is alleged to have occurred in our headquarters. All members of the RCMP share the public’s concern and have devoted considerable efforts in the past number of years to addressing sexual misconduct in the workplace. To be clear, sexual misconduct in the workplace is not acceptable and we have taken steps in line with other employers to prevent it from occurring. If it occurs it will be vigorously and fairly investigated so that appropriate steps can be taken up to and including criminal charges.”

The name of the alleged victim  is subject to a publication ban. Shields  next  court appearance is set for June 27th.