Toronto, ON – More than six years after charges of professional misconduct were laid against two Toronto Police Service officers in connection with the investigation into Tess Richey’s death, the charges have been withdrawn. The decision was announced during a brief tribunal hearing on Monday morning at Toronto police headquarters.
Constables Michael Jones and Alan McCullough, who were present with their attorneys, faced charges under the Police Services Act for not performing a duty and not carrying out an order related to the investigation into Richey’s death. The charges stemmed from the officers’ actions during their patrol on November 26, 2017, a day after Richey was reported missing by her family.
Mattison Chinneck, the prosecutor in the case, stated that the charges were being withdrawn in favor of “alternative measures.” As part of this resolution, there will be no finding of professional misconduct, and both officers will instead be docked 40 hours of pay.
Jon Reid, president of the Toronto Police Association (TPA), expressed relief that the hearing had concluded. In a statement, Reid acknowledged the tragic nature of Richey’s death and the profound impact it has had on everyone involved, particularly her family and friends.
“We know the last seven years have been, and will continue to be, difficult. We also know the lives of two police officers have been deeply impacted and changed forever by this case,” Reid stated. He also noted that the TPA has provided ongoing support to the officers since the start of the internal investigation and will continue to do so as needed.
The charges against Jones and McCullough were first laid in mid-2018, following an investigation into their conduct on the day they were asked to investigate an address in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood. According to the notices of hearing, the officers were aware that the location was Richey’s last known whereabouts but did not search the adjoining property, canvass the neighborhood, or notify a supervising officer. These actions were deemed to be in violation of the Toronto Police Service’s procedures on missing persons.
Richey’s body was tragically discovered by her mother four days after the initial missing persons report was filed. The case later resulted in the conviction of Kalen Schlatter, who was found guilty of the first-degree murder and sexual assault of Richey. Schlatter is currently serving a life sentence.
The withdrawal of the charges marks a significant moment in a case that has weighed heavily on the community and the officers involved. While the legal proceedings related to the misconduct charges have concluded, the memory of Tess Richey and the tragic circumstances of her death continue to resonate with those who knew her.
The TPA has declined further requests for comment on the matter, emphasizing the sensitivity of the case and the ongoing impact it has on all parties involved.
More updates to follow.
