Ottawa police officer charged in alleged sexual assaults involving minors

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says one of its members is facing a total of six charges related to sexual allegations involving minors.

Const. Charlene Abella has been charged by the Peel Regional Police Service with three counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference and one count of sexual exploitation.

The alleged incidents happened while the officer was off-duty, according to police.

Ottawa police say they received information about allegations related to people under the age of 18 on March 27. Peel Regional Police conducted the investigation, as the alleged incidents fell outside the jurisdiction of the Special Investigations Unit.

“The investigation was transferred to Peel Regional Police to ensure the matter was addressed by an external agency with no connection to those involved,” Ottawa police said in a news release Friday.

Abella has been suspended from duty with pay. The Ottawa Police Service says it will be monitoring all developments in this case closely and is “fully prepared” to follow Ontario’s “legislation that sets out clear criteria for suspending a sworn member without pay.”

Abella is scheduled to appear in court Friday afternoon.

“As this matter is now before the courts, and a publication ban has been ordered, we are unable to provide further information at this time,” Peel Regional Police Service told CTV News Ottawa Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Peel Police Professional Standards directly at 905-453-3311, extension 6050.