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Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer

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A former Calgary cop has been charged with sexual assault and breach of trust by police in Vancouver.

Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.

According to Vancouver police, it does not appear the two officers acted together.

Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson says the investigation by the Vancouver department launched on Oct. 28 at the request of Central Saanich Police after the woman came forward.

Wilson says Ball, 43, was hired by the Central Saanich Police in 2016 after 12 years with the Calgary Police Service.

Johnston, 40, has been with the Central Saanich Police since 2017.

Wilson described the allegations against the officers as "shocking and disturbing" and said investigation into the matter is ongoing.

On Tuesday, the Calgary Police Service released a statement:

"We were notified by the Vancouver Police Department that a former member of the Calgary Police Service has been charged with sexual assault and breach of trust," the statement said.

"We are deeply disappointed that this former member is alleged to have conducted themselves in this manner.

"This behaviour is not reflective of the values of our service, nor the good work done by the majority of our members every day. We have zero tolerance for these behaviours and co-operated fully with the Vancouver Police Department investigation."

With files from The Canadian Press

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