Veteran Halton officer charged with fraud 'in relation to an investment scheme,' police say

A veteran member of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has been charged with fraud, police said.

Sgt. Jon Williams, who had 18 years of service with the HRPS, was arrested and charged following a "lengthy investigation" by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

According to a news release from the HRPS, the OPP started investigating in February 2023 "following multiple complaints of fraud in relation to an investment scheme."

Williams and two others "with no connection to the police service" were each charged with one count of fraud over $5,000.

Police said in the release that Williams was suspended with pay.

The OPP told CBC Hamilton in an email that the three individuals are accused of operating an investment fraud scheme that allegedly "lured victims into short-term loans while charging illegal interest rates."

The OPP says Williams turned himself in at a local OPP detachment on March 27 where he was arrested and charged.

Williams was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton on May 9, the OPP said.