by Andrew Seymour
Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — A Mountie accused of abusing two children, including an 11-year-old boy he allegedly kept shackled in the basement of an Ottawa home, has been released on bail.
The 42-year-old officer, who once worked in an anti-terrorism unit, was released from jail by a justice of the peace following a three-day bail hearing in December on a recognizance that requires him to live under virtual house arrest with his brothers or mother in Laval, Que., and Montreal.
To secure his release, the RCMP officer posted a $10,000 cash bail, and his two older brothers each pledged $20,000 bonds, according to release documents.
The RCMP officer’s wife was released on bail in July. She was initially denied bail, but later released on an $80,000 bond and $30,000 cash bail — significantly higher amounts than what secured the release of her husband, who is facing more serious charges.
The RCMP officer and his wife were charged after the starving and dehydrated 11-year-old boy was found wandering around in an Ottawa neighbourhood last February. There were bruises on his wrists and ankles. Police alleged he was kept locked in a basement for several months before escaping.
A neighbour reportedly spoke to the boy as he tried to get a drink of water from an outdoor garden faucet before police were called.
After a search of their home, the Mountie and his wife were charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, failing to provide the necessaries of life and forcible confinement.
An additional charge of aggravated sexual assault was laid against the Mountie.
The child was allegedly assaulted with a wooden stick, handcuffs and a BBQ lighter, according to court documents,
The RCMP officer — who has been off active duty since May 2011 — was later also charged with assaulting a two-and-a-half year old child with a wooden stick. He also faces allegations he carelessly stored a pellet rifle and Luger ammunition.
The officer has since waived his right to a preliminary hearing and been committed to stand trial on the charges.
No date has been set for the trial.
Among conditions of his release on bail, the officer is not to communicate with his wife. He also must have no contact with the two alleged victims or a third child unless he has the permission of the Children’s Aid Society or a court order.
He was ordered not to possess any firearms and must live with one of his two sureties or his mother. He must be accompanied by one of his sureties at all times when he leaves the residences, although he is permitted to leave to work or search for a job.
At the time of his arrest, the RCMP said they had suspended the officer with pay. The officer’s lawyer, Bob Carew, said the officer remains suspended from the RCMP but is no longer being paid.
The RCMP officer is next scheduled to appear in an Ottawa administrative court Friday to set a date for a pretrial conference.