RCMP suspends officer with pay

KIRSTEN MURPHY

The RCMP has launched an investigation into the case of Cpl. Paul Raymond Richer, after charging the Baker Lake RCMP officer with possession of child pornography last week.

Richer, 36, has been suspended with pay until the internal investigation is complete.

“We take all internal investigations very seriously. Obviously, our members are held to a higher standard simply because of the profession they are in,” said Insp. Jim MacDougall of V Division. But, he added, “(The criminal charge) has nothing to do with his duties as an RCMP officer.”

Richer’s first appearance in Nunavut Court of Justice on Jan 7 was adjourned to March 12. If Crown Counsel proceeds by indictment, and Richer is found guilty, he faces a jail sentence not exceeding five years. However, courts rarely impose maximum sentences.

The Canadian Criminal Code defines child pornography as any photo, video, film, electronic image or written material depicting a person under the age of 18 in a sexually explicit manner.

Richer worked in Baker Lake from the summer of 2000 until the criminal charge was laid last week. He was stationed in Baker Lake at the time of the alleged offence.

He is living in Iqaluit while the case is before the court. “He’s doing as well as can be expected under these type of circumstances,” said MacDougall.

MacDougall said the RCMP’s ruling will depend on the court’s ruling.

“If there was no wrongdoing (a not-guilty verdict) then there will be no repercussions,” he said.

If Richer is found in violation of the RCMP’s code of conduct, he could face penalties ranging from a written reprimand to job loss.