Red Deer RCMP officer charged with theft, possessing property obtained by crime
Items believed to have been stolen from local detachment in nearby Blackfalds, Alta., say RCMP
Multiple charges have been laid against a now-suspended Red Deer RCMP officer related to alleged theft from a neighbouring local detachment.
Cpl. Brandon Smith was charged twice with theft under $5,000, and twice with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
According to a Blackfalds RCMP release, RCMP were made aware of allegations that an officer was in possession of "seized exhibits" from the Blackfalds detachment in May 2022.
Blackfalds is a town in central Alberta about 17 kilometres north of Red Deer.
RCMP say they searched Smith's home in Red Deer on July 10 with a warrant. During that search they seized items believed to have been stolen from the exhibit room at the Blackfalds detachment.
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Smith is set to appear in court on Aug. 16 in Red Deer.
He is currently suspended with pay as he awaits court and the internal investigation continues, says RCMP.
Clarifications
- A previous version of this story included the detail that Cpl. Smith had been released from custody, as initially reported by the RCMP. In fact, Cpl. Smith was charged and served with a court day, but not arrested, RCMP later clarified.Aug 15, 2023 5:56 PM MT