**UPDATE: CPS officials confirmed on May 31, 2018 that the charges against the three officers had been stayed**
An investigation into the actions of members of the Calgary Police Service vice unit during a 2010 investigation into at-risk youth has resulted in charges against three officers.
In June of 2015, the Calgary Police Service Standards Section received a complaint from a former CPS member alleging their fellow officers had acted inappropriately during a January 2010 investigation. The officers, members of the CPS vice unit, had been attempting to apprehend a youth under the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act and identified a man they believed had information pertaining to the whereabouts of the minor.
“The intent that day was to return a young female that was being sexually exploited," said CPS Acting Superintendent Don Coleman..
The four officers allegedly placed the man in an unmarked police vehicle and drove for approximately 20 minutes. During the trip, officers allegedly assaulted the man before returning him to where he had been picked up.
The unnamed man died several months after his interaction with police and his death is not believed to have been related to the incident.
As a result of the investigation into the allegations against the CPS members, three officers were arrested and charged on Wednesday:
- Det. Paul Rubner, a 25-year member of the CPS, faces charges of kidnapping and assault
- Sgt. Mark Schwartz, a 16-year CPS member, faces charges of kidnapping and assault
- Det. Reagan Hossack, an 18-year veteran of the force, has been charged with kidnapping
The three officers have been placed on administrative leave and, according to CPS officials, will have their status reviewed in a week’s time.
Coleman says the CPS will continue to support the officers.
“What we expect from our officers is the dedication and commitment that these three have shown for upwards of 60 years of public service,” said Coleman. “The investigation puts forward a set of circumstances that was reviewed by the Edmonton Crown which meets, in their eyes, the threshold for charges. It’s not convictions, it’s charges. These are allegations.”
“I know these officers personally, I’ve worked around them. They’re incredible officers"
Schwartz and Hossack are scheduled to appear in court on September 1. Rubner's first scheduled court date has not been confirmed.