An Orillia OPP officer, who is facing a charge of assault, remains on the job, officials have told OrilliaMatters.
Bailey Nicholls was charged with assault following an investigation by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) into an incident that occurred in the fall of 2019. The SIU issued a press release about the charge earlier this week.
Const. Ted Dongelmans, a media officer with the Orillia OPP detachment, says Nicholls is “on administrative duties” in the wake of the charge.
When asked if that was common practice when an officer faces a criminal charge, he said the case is considered individually.
“Officers found guilty of less serious criminal acts and/or behavioural breaches may be rehabilitated through education, discipline and supervision,” he told OrilliaMatters.
The SIU investigation determined that at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2019, OPP officers arrested a woman outside Studabakers, a waterfront restaurant/bar, and transported her to the Orillia OPP detachment on Peter Street.
While in a cell, the woman became involved in an interaction with a police officer, noted the SIU. The woman was taken to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital for treatment. Two days later, the woman returned to hospital and was diagnosed with a serious injury.
As a result of the SIU probe, Const. Nicholls was charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 267(b) of the Criminal Code.
The officer is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 700 Memorial Ave. on Feb. 9, 2021.
The matter is now properly before the courts, said the SIU. In consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.
About the SIU
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.
