OPP Cst. Christopher Bannon faces discreditable conduct charges

A Thunder Bay OPP officer is facing charges following some alleged activity on Facebook.

Constable Christopher Bannon has been charged with discreditable conduct.

The charge stems from a private Facebook message allegedly sent to a female candidate for a political party, referred to in the OPP notice of hearing as "TJ".

It's alleged the message was sent in May, while Bannon was off-duty, and contained abusive, insulting and offensive language.

According to the notice of hearing, that message then ended up being shared publicly by TJ on her Facebook page, along with a photo identifying Bannon as an OPP officer.

Bannon was also charged with insubordination.

That charge stems from an interview Bannon was ordered to attend following the alleged Facebook activity with the OPP Professional Standards Bureau.

The bureau alleges Bannon's demeanour and language was rude and disrespectful.

Charles Young, an inspector with the Professional Standards Bureau, said Bannon is currently on leave — but not suspended.