Police accused of buying sex from underage prostitutes re-instated
Last Updated: Monday, July 9, 2007 | 2:19 PM PT
CBC News
An RCMP adjudicator has ordered the reinstatement of a Prince George RCMP officer who was accused of buying sex from underage prostitutes between 1993 and 2001.
Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, who reviewed Const. Justin Harris's file, found there was not enough evidence for criminal prosecution or a continued suspension.
Const. Annie Linteau told CBC News on Monday that a major factor in the ruling was the recent death of a key witness.
"One of the key witnesses for the prosecution recently passed away from natural causes in Prince George, so that affected our investigation," she said. "Deputy Commissioner Bass has ordered the reinstatement of Const. Harris to full regular duties."
A security review is underway to determine when and where Harris will be posted. He has been on paid suspension since 2004.
He has always maintained his innocence and has not been criminally charged.
Harris was accused after investigators began interviewing young prostitutes involved in a case against former B.C. provincial court judge David Ramsay in 2002. Ramsay eventually pleaded guilty, and is serving seven years for sexually assaulting young aboriginal women in Prince George.
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