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Sault police investigated by SIU in wake of sexual assault allegations

Police watchdog looking into number of allegations dating back to late December
2020-08-04 City Police Stock BC
Sault Ste. Marie Police file photo. Brad Coccimiglio/SooToday

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is currently being investigated by Ontario's police watchdog over allegations of sexual assault dating back to late December. 

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) website shows a total of four active investigations involving Sault police — each one of them dealing with an allegation of sexual assault. It's unclear if any of the investigations are related. 

Three of the investigations were launched this past January, records show. 

Sault Ste. Marie Police Service spokesperson Lincoln Louttit confirmed with SooToday via email the investigations into the sexual assault allegations are taking place.

"As this is an SIU investigation, please contact the SIU for further details," Louttit said. 

The Police Services Board — an advisory body that governs Sault police under the province's Police Services Act — declined to comment on the active investigations.

"This matter is being handled by the SIU and in the circumstances we are not able to comment further at this time," said recently-acclaimed Police Services Board Chair John Bruno.  

The SIU is an independent civilian law enforcement agency that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.