A defendant in a criminal investigation of Toronto Police drug squad officers spoke out Wednesday, saying he's eager to clear his name after years of allegations.

Staff Sgt. John Schertzer is one of six officers who face a total of 44 charges, ranging from assault to theft and extortion.

John Schertzer

The charges relate to allegations that some officers beat and robbed drug suspects.

Schertzer led the squad that's now under investigation. Following a court appearance Wednesday, he said he was looking forward to finally confronting those allegations.

"It's been five long years and I'm happy that the process is started," he said. "I can't wait for the day to speak, to clear my name and tell the full story, so people can't hide anymore.

"My overwhelming emotion? I'm anxious right now and I'm excited to get it going and get it over with, because and the sooner it gets out, the sooner it will go away."

Schertzer's lawyer demanded Wednesday that the Crown disclose the case against his client by the next court appearance in early April.

"It doesn't take a lot to push a button on a photocopy machine," said Morris Manning.

Meanwhile, a judge's report into the allegations against the officers will be made public Thursday.

Chief Julian Fantino commissioned Justice George Ferguson to write the report more than two years ago.

Fantino initially said the report would not be made public.

He has since had a change of heart, and has asked Ferguson to detail his recommendations at a meeting of Toronto's Police Services Board.