Ministry of Justice
Media Archives
November 9, 2011
Special Prosecutor K.S. Pechet approves charge against H.C. Johns
Victoria -The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that independent Special Prosecutor Kris S. Pechet has approved a charge against Hedley Christopher Johns, a prosecutor employed by the Criminal Justice Branch.
September 16, 2011
Special Prosecutor Hira, QC appointed, charges approved in Bergeron incident in Prince George
Victoria -The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that independent Special Prosecutor David Crossin, Q.C. has concluded that no charges should be laid against Langley Township Mayor Rick Green, following an RCMP investigation into his alleged actions in September 2010, in connection with his censure by Langley Township counsel.
September 9, 2011
Mayor Rick Green - Decision of Special Prosecutor David Crossin, Q.C. Announced: No Charges
Victoria -The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that independent Special Prosecutor David Crossin, Q.C. has concluded that no charges should be laid against Langley Township Mayor Rick Green, following an RCMP investigation into his alleged actions in September 2010, in connection with his censure by Langley Township counsel.
August 24, 2011
Private Prosecution of Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd. - Information Stayed
Victoria -The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that it is directing a Stay of Proceedings on an Information alleging an offence of criminal negligence causing death against Weyerhaeuser Company Limited.
July 13, 2011
MLA Patrick Pimm – Decision of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria - Independent Special Prosecutor Mark R. Jetté has concluded that no criminal charges will be laid in connection with an RCMP investigation involving Member of the Legislative Assembly Patrick Pimm.
July 6, 2011
MLA Patrick Pimm - Special Prosecutor Mark R. Jetté Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that
Mark R. Jetté has been appointed as an independent Special Prosecutor in connection with an
RCMP investigation involving Member of the Legislative Assembly Patrick Pimm.
June 29, 2011
Appointment of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria - In response to a media inquiry, the Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that David Crossin, Q.C. has been appointed as an independent Special Prosecutor in relation to an R.C.M.P. investigation into allegations against Langley Mayor Rick Green.
June 23, 2011
Decision of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced today that Christopher Considine, QC, has approved charges against four members of the RCMP in relation to an investigation into the activities of police officers associated with the Surrey Six homicide case.
May 26, 2011
No Charges Approved in Shooting Death of Wilbert Bartley
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced the results of its review of an investigative report prepared in connection with an incident on July 30, 2010 in which Wilbert Bartley was shot and killed by a member of the Kamloops RCMP.
May 13, 2011
Charges Approved in Kamloops Cell Block Incident
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that charges have been laid against three members of the RCMP and one jail guard following an incident alleged to have occurred in the Kamloops RCMP cell block Aug. 18, 2010.
May 12, 2011
Charges Laid Against Four RCMP Members; Special Prosecutor’s Clear Statement of Conclusions
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that perjury charges have now been laid against four members of the RCMP in relation to evidence given at the Braidwood Inquiry into the in-custody death of Robert Dziekanski.
May 9, 2011
Charges Approved Against Kimberly Burton Pollock
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that independent special prosecutor Gail Barnes has approved charges against Kimberly Burton Pollock in connection with an investigation into alleged offences against member of the legislative assembly Jenny Kwan and her family.
May 6, 2011
Decision Announced in Review of Four RCMP Members
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced the results of Richard C.C. Peck, QC’s, independent charge assessment with respect to allegations of misconduct involving four members of the RCMP as they pertain to the in-custody death of Robert Dziekanski at the Vancouver Airport Oct. 14, 2007 and their subsequent testimony at the Braidwood Inquiry.
April 8, 2011
Decision Announced in Vancouver-Fraserview Review
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that special prosecutor Peter Wilson, QC, has approved charges under the Election Act and Criminal Code following an investigation into possible offences alleged to have occurred in relation to the election campaign of Kash Heed in the Vancouver-Fraserview riding.
April 7, 2011
No Charge Laid Against Const. Geoffrey Mantler
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that no charge will be laid against Const. Geoffrey Mantler in connection with his alleged use of force in an incident which occurred while he was on duty Aug. 10, 2010.
March 24, 2011
Charges Approved Against Const. Geoffrey Mantler
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that charges have been approved against Const. Geoffrey Mantler in connection with his alleged use of force while on duty on two separate occasions. An investigative report in relation to a third incident remains under review by Crown counsel.
March 10, 2011
Appointment of Special Prosecutor
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that Christopher Considine, QC, has been appointed as an independent special prosecutor in relation to an investigation into the activities of police officers involved in the Surrey Six homicide file.
Feb. 11, 2011
Victoria Police Officer Will Not be Charged
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch has decided that no charges will be laid against a member of the Victoria Police Department for kicking two individuals who were being taken into custody during a disturbance in downtown Victoria on March 21, 2010.
Jan. 19, 2011
Review of Investigation Involving the Campaign Office of Kash Heed
Victoria - In response to a number of media inquiries, this statement is issued on behalf of independent special prosecutor Peter J. Wilson, QC. Wilson confirms that on Dec. 17, 2010 police investigators delivered their completed report to Crown counsel to his office. Wilson is currently in the process of reviewing the report and extensive attached materials.
Dec. 21, 2010
Decision of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Kris S. Pechet has approved a charge of theft under $5000.00 against Mathew Paul Moller, who is the adult son of a British Columbia judge. An information charging Mr. Moller was sworn in Prince Rupert Provincial Court on Nov. 30, 2010. The first appearance in the matter is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2011 in Prince Rupert.
Dec. 3, 2010
R. v. Betty Krawczyk
Victoria - On Dec. 2, 2010, the B.C. Court of Appeal issued its decision in the sentence appeal of Betty Krawczyk in relation to her conviction for contempt of court. The Criminal Justice Branch became involved in the matter in June 2006 after Justice Brown invited the attorney general to conduct proceedings in relation to the arrests of Krawczyk on the May 25 and 31 and June 27, 2006. Krawczyk was arrested for violating the area restrictions set out in an injunction restraining protestors from interfering with work on a project involving the expansion of the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Nov. 2, 2010
Special Prosecutor Considine Approves Charges
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Christopher M. Considine, QC, has approved a charge under the Environmental Management Act against LeMare Lake Logging Ltd. of Port McNeill. An Information charging the company with introducing waste into the environment, contrary to sections 6(3) and 120(3)(a) of the Environmental Management Act, was sworn Nov. 1, 2010 in Provincial Court in Port Hardy.
Oct. 21, 2010
Decision of Special Prosecutor Bruneau Announced
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Robert A. Bruneau has approved proceeding with the prosecution of Kiel Samotej and David Christopher Macdonald on a charge of assault.
Aug. 30, 2010
Charges Laid In Mushroom Farm Investigation
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that charges under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations have been laid against two companies and four individuals, following an investigation into an incident on Sept. 5, 2008 at a mushroom farm and composting plant in Langley. Three individuals died and two others suffered injury when overcome by gas in an enclosed space at the facility.
Aug. 6, 2010
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that an independent special prosecutor, Gail Barnes, has been appointed to take conduct of a prosecution of three young persons, one of whom is the child of a British Columbia judge. In accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the young persons or other information that would identify the young persons may not be published.
July 20, 2010
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Victoria -The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that Robert A. Bruneau has been appointed as an independent special prosecutor in the matter of Kiel Samotej and David Christopher Macdonald.
July 15, 2010
Timely Reviews and More Disclosure for Special Prosecutors
Victoria - In a report on the special prosecutors system, provided to B.C. Attorney General Michael de Jong, QC, Stephen Owen, vice-president of external, legal and community relations for the University of British Columbia, calls for regular six-month updates to improve timeliness of charge assessments, more frequent review and renewal of the special prosecutors’ list and more stringency in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
July 6, 2010
Criminal Justice Branch Announces Decision of Special Prosecutor
Victoria - A review conducted by independent special prosecutor Mark Jetté has resulted in the laying of a criminal charge against Sgt. George Chong of the Victoria Police Department. Chong is the brother of the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport.
June 29, 2010
Special Prosecutor Concludes his Review of the Braidwood Report
Victoria - Special prosecutor Richard Peck, QC, recommended the initial charge assessment in the death of Robert Dziekanski should be revisited, citing among other reasons that the Braidwood Commission Report into the death refers to “factual material that was not available to the Branch at the time [of the initial charge assessment decision], including but not limited to expert video analysis and expert opinions relating to the reasonableness of the escalation and de-escalation of force.”
June 25, 2010
Decision of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Robin McFee, QC, has approved charges against Grant Sanborn following an investigation into allegations of improper conduct on the part of former officials with the City of Chilliwack. McFee has not approved charges against Member of the Legislative Assembly and former mayor of Chilliwack, John Les.
June 21, 2010
Special Prosecutor Appointed to Review Braidwood Report
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that Richard Peck, QC, has been appointed as an independent special prosecutor to review the report of the Braidwood Commission on the death of Robert Dziekanski.
Peck was appointed June 18, 2010 by assistant deputy attorney general Robert W. G. Gillen, QC, to determine whether, in view of the evidence heard at the Braidwood Inquiry and the findings and recommendations of commissioner Braidwood, it is appropriate to reassess the decision of the Criminal Justice Branch not to prosecute any of the officers involved in the incident. Peck is also to review other conduct of the officers in connection with the incident.
June 15, 2010
No Charges in Giraffe Case
The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that no charges will be laid against the Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre or its operators following a review of an investigative report submitted by investigators with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animals. The report focused specifically on the circumstances surrounding the condition and death of a giraffe at the facility. An explanation of the decision is contained in the attached clear statement.
June 10, 2010
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that Mark R. Jetté has been appointed as an independent special prosecutor in connection with a police investigation relating to Sgt. George Chong of the Victoria Police Department. Sgt. Chong is the brother of the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport for the Province of British Columbia.
May 7, 2010
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that Peter Wilson, QC, a senior Vancouver lawyer, has been appointed as independent special prosecutor to take conduct of the matter arising from an investigation into alleged offences involving the campaign office of Kash Heed. Wilson replaces previous special prosecutor Terrence Robertson, QC who resigned his appointment on May 4, 2010. While acting as special prosecutor, Robertson oversaw the laying of certain charges, some pursuant to the Criminal Code and others pursuant to the Election Act. The Criminal Justice Branch has concluded that in the circumstances the appointment of Wilson is not precluded or restricted.
May 4, 2010
Special Prosecutor Withdraws From Case
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that special prosecutor Terrence Robertson, QC has withdrawn from the case arising from an investigation into the campaign office of Kash Heed.
Assistant deputy attorney general Robert W.G. Gillen, QC has accepted Robertson's decision and will be taking steps forthwith to appoint a new special prosecutor to oversee conduct of the case.
May 4, 2010
Special Prosecutor Approves Charge
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Michael Tammen of Vancouver has approved a charge against a lawyer employed by the Criminal Justice Branch.
An Information charging Ravinder Dusanjh with one count of failing or refusing to comply with a demand to provide a sample of his breath, contrary to Section 254(5) of the Criminal Code, was sworn April 23, 2010 in Provincial Court in Smithers.
May 3, 2010
Special Prosecutor Approves Charges
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that special prosecutor Terrence Robertson, QC has approved charges under the Election Act and the Criminal Code following an investigation into possible offences involving the campaign office of Kash Heed. Three charges under the Election Act and three charges under the Criminal Code have been approved against Barinder Sail, three charges under the Election Act and two charges under the Criminal Code have been approved against Dinesh Khanna and a single count under the Election Act has been approved against Satpal Johl. The special prosecutor has not approved any charges against Kash Heed.
April 28, 2010
Special Prosecutor Jetté Approves Charges
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that independent special prosecutor Mark Jetté has approved a charge against MLA Jane Ann Thornthwaite of operating a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol level over 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood, contrary to section 253(b) of the Criminal Code.
April 9, 2010
Criminal Justice Branch Announces Appointment of Special Prosecutor
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that Mark R. Jetté has been appointed as a special prosecutor in connection with a police investigation involving member of the legislative assembly Jane Ann Thornthwaite.
April 9, 2010
Criminal Justice Branch Announces Appointment of Special Prosecutor
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that Terrence L. Robertson, QC, has been appointed as a special prosecutor in connection with a police investigation into possible offences involving the campaign office of former Solicitor General Kash Heed.
March 16, 2010
Charges Laid in Queen of the North Sinking
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that navigating officer Karl Lilgert has been charged with criminal negligence causing the deaths of Gerald Foisy and Shirley Rosette in the sinking of the Queen of the North on March 22, 2006.
March 4, 2010
Criminal Justice Branch Announces Decision of Special Prosecutor
Victoria - A review conducted by independent special prosecutor John Waddell, QC, has resulted in the laying of criminal charges against Ronald Danderfer, Dr. Jonathan Burns and James Roy Taylor.
Dec. 23, 2009
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that an independent special prosecutor, Harold J. Rusk, has been appointed to take conduct of the case of Johnathan Kinash, the son of a senior prosecutor with the Criminal Justice Branch.
Dec. 1, 2009
Charge Approved Against Cpl. Benjamin Montgomery Robinson
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced that a charge of attempting to obstruct justice has been laid against RCMP Cpl. Benjamin Montgomery Robinson under Sec. 139 of the Criminal Code, in connection with a Delta Police Department investigation into a two-vehicle collision in Delta on Oct. 25, 2008.
Nov 9, 2009
Criminal Justice Branch Decision in the Death of Paul Boyd
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced the results of its review of an investigative report prepared in connection with an incident on Aug. 13, 2007 in which Paul Boyd was shot and killed by a member of the Vancouver Police Department. The branch has concluded that no charges should be laid against the officer who shot Boyd.
July 22, 2009
Special Prosecutor Pechet Appointed
Victoria - The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced the appointment of Kris Pechet as an independent special prosecutor to take conduct of the prosecution of Vidyulata Klassen in Provincial Court in Abbotsford.
June 18, 2009
Special Prosecutor Barnes Appointed
Victoria –The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that an independent special prosecutor, Gail Barnes, has been appointed to take conduct of a prosecution of three young persons, one of whom is the child of a British Columbia judge. In accordance with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the young persons or other information that would identify the young persons may not be published.
May 21, 2009
Decision of Special Prosecutor Fraser Announced
Victoria –The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced the decision of independent special prosecutor Paul D.K. Fraser, QC, in relation to a complaint of possible criminal misconduct by individuals associated with the defence team of Inderjit Singh Reyat. Mr. Reyat was charged in connection with the 1985 explosion of Air India Flight 182 and the intended explosion of Air India Flight 301.
April 30, 2009
Decision of Special Prosecutor Released
Victoria –In response to media attention, the Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today released the decision of Michael Tammen, previously appointed as an independent special prosecutor in relation to the investigation into allegations of assault and uttering threats made against Douglas George Routley, Member of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Tammen has decided that no charges should be approved against Mr. Routley. The Branch also provided a "Clear Statement" of its decision.
April 27, 2009
No Charges Approved Against Constable Ryan Sheremetta
Victoria –The Criminal Justice Branch announced that no charges will be laid against Cst. Ryan Sheremetta in connection with his testimony at the inquest into the death of Kevin St. Arnaud. The branch has also confirmed its earlier decision that no charges will be laid against Cst. Sheremetta in connection with the shooting death of St. Arnaud on Dec. 19, 2004. The branch also provided a Clear Statement of its decision.
Feb. 17, 2009
Delayed Announcement of Special Prosecutor
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced the appointment of Dennis Murray, QC, as an independent Special Prosecutor in relation to the prosecution of Cst. Saxon Peters of Merritt.
Dec. 12, 2008
Robert Dziekanski - YVR Decision
Victoria –The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced its decision of a charge assessment in relation to the incident on October 14, 2007 at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in which Robert Dziekanski died.
The branch also provided a "Clear Statement" of its decision in this matter.
Sept. 2, 2008
Special Prosecutor Appointed re Assault Allegation
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch today announced the appointment of Ian Donaldson, QC as an independent special prosecutor concerning a Saanich Police department investigation into an allegation of an assault relating to Sgt. George Chong of the VPD.
July 8, 2008
Special Prosecutor Appointed re Misconduct Allegations
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch today confirmed, in response to a media enquiry, the appointment of John Waddell, Q.C. as an independent special prosecutor concerning an RCMP investigation into allegations of misconduct involving a former senior official with the Ministry of Health, Ronald Danderfer.
June 2, 2008
Special Prosecutor Appointed in Bountiful
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that the Attorney General has directed the branch to retain Terrence Robertson, QC, to conduct a charge assessment regarding allegations of misconduct involving individuals associated with the community of Bountiful, British Columbia.
April 7, 2008
Leonard Doust, QC, Confirms Findings and Recommendation of Special Prosecutor
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that senior Vancouver lawyer Leonard T. Doust, QC, has confirmed the findings and recommendations of special prosecutor Richard Peck, QC, in relation to an RCMP investigation into allegations of misconduct involving individuals associated with the community of Bountiful, British Columbia.
March 29, 2008
Assistant Deputy Attorney General Provides Guidelines to the Announcement of Special Prosecutors
Victoria – Yesterday the Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General announced the appointment of a special prosecutor in relation to allegations of improper conduct on the part of former officials with the City of Chilliwack. Members of the public and media have raised the issue that while the appointment of the special prosecutor took place in June 2007, there was no public announcement of this fact until March 2008.
March 28, 2008
Appointment of Special Prosecutor Announced
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today confirmed, in response to a media enquiry, the appointment of Robin McFee, QC, as an independent special prosecutor concerning a police investigation into allegations of potential improper conduct on the part of former officials with the City of Chilliwack.
March 28, 2008
Special Prosecutor Recommends Crown Not Oppose Re-Opening of Appeal
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that independent special prosecutor Leonard T. Doust, QC, has made a series of recommendations as a result of his review of new evidence as well as of the evidence underpinning the convictions of Ivan William Mervin Henry in March 1983.
March 17, 2008
Criminal Justice Branch Launches Judicial Review
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch today announced that it has filed a Petition to the Supreme Court of British Columbia asking for a judicial review of the ruling of Commissioner William H. Davies, QC, in the Frank Paul Inquiry requiring individual Crown Counsel to testify in relation to their charge approval decisions. The application was filed in the B.C. Supreme Court registry in Vancouver this morning.
March 10, 2008
Special Prosecutor Approves Charge
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that an independent special prosecutor Terrence Robertson, QC, has approved a charge against Kenneth Dobell in relation to lobbying activities.
Feb. 27, 2008
No Charges in Land Transaction Investigation in Abbotsford
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that an independent special prosecutor has determined that no charges are warranted in relation to a Financial Institutions Commission of British Columbia (FICOM) investigation into allegations of possible misconduct on the part of individuals associated with a land transaction in Abbotsford, B.C. in 2006.
Jan. 10, 2008
Sentence Appeal Launched
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced it has launched an appeal in relation to the sentence imposed in the case of R. v. Tuan Minh Nguyen.
Jan. 10, 2008
Special Prosecutor Approves Charges
Victoria – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today announced that an independent special prosecutor has approved charges against an individual following a police investigation into allegations of criminal harassment and threatening.
Jan. 7, 2008
Crown Counsel Launches Appeal in Pickton Case
VICTORIA – The Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General today has filed an appeal in relation to the acquittals of Robert William Pickton on six counts of first degree murder. The appeal was filed in the Vancouver Registry of the British Columbia Court of Appeal earlier today.
Oct. 25, 2007
07-14 Special Prosector Appointed re: Lobbying Allegations
Oct. 19, 2007
07-13 Police Report Received re: Lobbying Activities
Sept. 20, 2007
07-12 Special Prosecutor Approves Impaired Charge
Sept. 7, 2007
07-11 FICOM - Special Prosecutor Appointed
Sept. 7, 2007
07-10 AG Orders Bountiful Review
Sept. 5, 2007
Aug. 1, 2007
07-08 Bountiful - Special Prosecutor's Report
June 6, 2007
07-07 Bountiful - Special Prosecutor Appointed
April 25, 2007
07-06 Karagianis - ADAG Response to Investigation Request
April 24, 2007
07-05 West Van PD - Special Prosecutor: No Charges
March 7, 2007
07-04 S. Greene - Special Prosecutor Approves Charge
Feb. 26, 2007
07-03 R. v. Ellison - No Appeal
Feb. 9, 2007
07-02 Former Kamloops Crown - Special Prosecutor: No Charge
