Ottawa police officer charged in underage sexual assault investigation

A constable with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) faces multiple charges related to an investigation conducted by Peel Regional Police.

Charlene Abella, who is a member of the OPS, was charged by Peel police with the following:

• Sexual assault – three counts
• Sexual interference – two counts
• Sexual exploitation

A police press release says the charges are not related to on-duty behaviour.

Abella has also been suspended from duty by the OPS.

Ottawa police learned of allegations to “persons under the age of 18” on March 27 of this year. They advised Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which transferred the case to Peel police as the incident didn’t meet the SIU’s mandate. A release says this was done to ensure there are no connection to those involved.

Peel police tell CityNews in a statement the “alleged offences are not linked to the Region of Peel.”

Due to a publication ban, further specifics in the investigation can not be released.

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