Owen Sound police officer faces charges over alleged relationship

OWEN SOUND, Ont. -- An Owen Sound police officer is facing numerous charges under the Police Services Act.

It's alleged the officer, an eight-year veteran of the force, began a personal and sexual relationship with a victim in a crime investigation.

Chief Bill Sornberger says an investigation into the case by an unnamed external police service started last November in connection with alleged incidents between February and July of 2013.

Const. Brian Follis has been charged with six counts of discreditable conduct, five counts of neglect of duty, two counts of deceit and one count each of insubordination and breach of confidence.

Follis has been suspended from duty with pay.

Since the allegations are not of a criminal nature, the case will be heard by a hearing officer at the Owen Sound police station on July 3.