York police officer charged for allegedly fabricating evidence, internal investigation finds
Posted April 19, 2022 5:20 pm.
Last Updated April 19, 2022 5:21 pm.
A police officer in York Region faces several charges after an internal investigation revealed the 24-year-old fabricated evidence during a traffic stop in Markham.
The alleged incident happened in October 2021 when the responding officer removed a driver and passenger from the vehicle and conducted a search.
It was determined that during the vehicle search, the officer located a quantity of cocaine in a purse belonging to the passenger.
In a news release, York Regional Police said the officer claimed the traffic stop was conducted because he had witnessed the possession of cannabis and cocaine in the vehicle.
No physical evidence or information from other officers at the stop confirmed the presence of cocaine or cannabis visible before the search, YRP said.
The force launched an internal investigation after other officers expressed concerns to a supervisor about the conduct of another member.
As a result, York Regional Police have charged 24-year-old Jordan Nesbitt of Durham with the fabrication of evidence, obstructing justice and breach of trust.
Nesbitt, employed by York Regional Police since 2019, has been suspended without pay.
“I am deeply disappointed by this violation of the public trust, however, I am very proud of and commend those officers who came forward to report their concerns to their supervisors,” said police chief Jim MacSween.
“We rely on all members to hold themselves and their peers to the highest standard, in keeping with our values, one of which is courage. This is our value statement. ‘Courage: We have the moral strength to stand up and to do what is right.‘ These officers did just that.”
Nesbitt will appear in a Newmarket court on May 25. The investigation is ongoing.
“As a result, this officer is now facing serious criminal charges and will be held accountable for his actions,” MacSween added. “Those actions, in no way, are a reflection of the dedicated and hard-working members of York Regional Police, who keep our community safe every day.”
