Lethbridge police officer dismissed over 'Memegate' scandal
A Lethbridge police officer has been fired over his role in a group chat that targeted executive members, other officers and government officials with hateful and degrading messages.
Jason Moulton, the leader of the "Meme Militia" group, created the chat in 2018.
For approximately four months, it shared racist, sexist and homophobic messages with other officers.
None of the jokes created have been shared with the public, but Moulton admitted to five charges of neglect of service and discreditable conduct. Prosecutors recommended that he be dismissed from the Lethbridge Police Service.
His defence lawyer requested that he receive a permanent demotion to constable first-class, saying that his dismissal would deny him access to mental health treatments.
'COLLECTIVELY CONCLUDED'
Since the communications were discovered, five officers – one sergeant and four constables – were charged with misconduct under the Alberta Police Act and Police Service Regulation following an investigation by an outside agency.
After a disciplinary hearing, the sergeant (Moulton) plead guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct, two counts of neglect of duty and one count of insubordination.
He pleaded not guilty to a third count of discreditable conduct and was acquitted of that count.
Two constables pleaded guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct and one count each of insubordination and neglect of duty.
"Both were demoted within rank by two grades for one year," the LPS said.
Two other constables resigned prior to entering any pleas.
In a statement, Lethbridge Police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh said with Moulton's dismissal, the matter is over.
"A disciplinary matter involving a total of five police officers charged with misconducts in relation to their roles in the creation and distribution of profane, abusive and insulting memes, has now been collectively concluded," he said.
He says the service will now need to continue to work to repair the damage inflicted by those officers and rebuild the trust in the community.
"Significant reform, at all levels of the organization, has and continues to take place," he said. "The past few years have been particularly challenging and I am very proud of our employees.
"We are a strong team."
The Lethbridge Police Service, in a statement released to the media on Monday afternoon, said that all the memes that were submitted as evidence will "remain under a sealing order indefinitely."
Moulton, who was less than a year away from a 25-year pension, has 30 days to appeal the decision.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada lists Ansarallah, known as the Houthis, a terrorist entity
The Canadian government has listed the Yemeni militant group Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a terrorist group in an effort to 'fight terrorism globally.'
Negotiations between Canada Post, union still on hold
Canada Post says it's waiting for a response from the union representing some 55,000 striking workers after it offered a new framework for negotiations over the weekend.
Alleged gang member driving from U.S. arrested at Canadian border after making wrong turn
An alleged gang member coming from the United States was arrested at the Canadian border after reportedly making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge border crossing.
Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY."
Ontario dad removes hockey rink at heart of neighbour dispute
A Markham dad who drew the ire of neighbours and the city after installing a hockey rink in his backyard says the rink has now been taken down.
Alberta RCMP officer charged with 2 counts of sexual assault
Const. Bridget Morla, a Leduc RCMP officer, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with an incident that happened two years ago.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
Five years after toddler's brutal death, Northern Ont. family struggles to find peace, justice
A North Bay family is struggling to find peace and justice as the five-year anniversary of the brutal death of toddler Oliver McCarthy approaches.
Kingston, Ont. doctor in 'disbelief' after being ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.