Tuesday December 17, 2024 | CENTRAL SAANICH [Posted at 4:36 pm | Updated 5:04 pm & 7:09 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Two Central Saanich police officers — Matthew Ball and Ryan Johnson — have been charged with sexual assault by Vancouver Police.
This news came around 4:15 pm today through a nationally televised press conference led by Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Wilson, Vancouver Police Dept. | See Vancouver Police Dept news release – December 17, 2024
The woman who reported the two officers is in her mid-20s; she was an adult at the time the offences occurred. The two officers met the woman while on duty. Police say the woman was in a “vulnerable position”.
Central Saanich here on Vancouver Island is a small tight-knit community (described as such by Wilson). “Central Saanich is small police service so it’s likely the officers knew each other,” said Wilson.
- Matthew Ball, age 43, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count breach of trust for event(s) that took place between February 1, 2019 and October 31, 2023 in Central Saanich. Ball’s rank is Sergeant, who worked as a patrol officer immediately prior to his arrest. He had been a police officer with Calgary police service for 12 years prior to being hired by the Central Saanich Police Service in 2016.
- Ryan Johnston, age 40, is charged with one count of sexual assault for one offence that took place between February 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020. Johnson’s rank is Constable; he currently works in a general investigation section. He had been hired by Central Saanich police in 2017.
The criminal investigation was initiated on October 28, 2024.
“It’s certainly possible there are additional charges coming,” said Wilson. These are “shocking and distributing allegations” among police and community, she said.
The two officers did not act together when these offences took place, said Wilson.
Each officer formed separate relationships with the woman at separate times, said Wilson.
To the woman who reported the offences, Wilson said: “You trusted that we would believe you, support you and investigate these extremely serious allegations with the tenacity that has led to these arrests.”
Wilson wanted repeated several times during the media availability that she wanted to be careful to protect the identity of the woman.
“Some people choose not to come forward for deeply personal reasons,” added Wilson.
The two officers have been arrested, charged and will be held accountable for their crimes, Wilson said.
“The investigation is in the early stages. We are seven weeks into it,” said Wilson with special investigations section. As many as 25 police officers were working on the covert investigation.
“To maintain trust in the criminal justice system, we must always be prepared to fully investigate allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within our own ranks, and to recommend criminal charges when compelling evidence exists.”
Arrest was made by Victoria police:
The two officers were arrested this morning. They were on their way to work when the arrests took place. They were arrested without incident, with the assistance of the Victoria Police Department. Both officers have been suspended without pay.
This is an active ongoing investigation. Police ask anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call 604-717-0604.
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