Convicted police officer texted photo of nude woman’s remains to fellow officer

A Winnipeg police officer who pleaded guilty to a slew of offences is expected to face prison time. CTV’s Taylor Brock explains.

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A Winnipeg police officer has pleaded guilty to multiple allegations relating to corruption and illegal activity.

On Friday, Elston Bostock pleaded guilty to indignity to human remains, breach of trust, attempting to obstruct justice, obstructing a police officer and disseminating confidential information.

Court heard the 22-year veteran with the Winnipeg police admitted to voiding traffic tickets in return for gifts such as liquor, cigars and gift certificates. He also admitted to sharing personal information tied to the registration of vehicles to his associates, who were allegedly involved in illicit activities.

Bostock disseminated image of deceased woman

According to an agreed statement of facts, Bostock also captured an image of a partly nude deceased female while on shift in May 2021. He then shared the image of the topless female to a fellow officer via text, writing it was the “best body on a dead body I ever saw.”

The officer responded with an expletive, calling Bostock “sick,” court heard.

On another occasion, the officer sent a text message saying that it was the “first time I was horny over a dead body.”

In a statement posted on social media, Winnipeg Police Service Chief Gene Bowers wrote information entered into the court record was “deeply concerning.”

“I want to begin by acknowledging the profound harm and pain this has caused, especially to the family and friends of a deceased woman who deserved more respect and compassion than she was afforded,” Bowers wrote.

The chief said he personally apologized to the woman’s family for “the horrific treatment of their loved one.”

“The majority of our members work hard to keep our community safe with integrity, respect and dignity,” he wrote. “It is our responsibility to confront misconduct and act decisively, and that is exactly what my police service did.”

Bowers said Bostock remains suspended without pay.

A statement from the Crown to CTV News said it will seek a penitentiary sentence of six years. CTV News reached out to the lawyer representing Bostock who declined to comment.

A tentative sentencing date has been set for Jan. 13, 2026.

-With files from CTV’s Danton Unger and Milan Lukes