Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
The evidence gathered during ASIRT’s investigation provided reasonable grounds to believe that an offence had been committed. As is required by the Police Act, the investigation was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) to determine whether the evidence met the standard for prosecution.
Following a review of the investigation and having been advised that the ACPS was of the opinion that the evidence did meet their standard for prosecution, ASIRT Executive Director Michael Ewenson, KC determined that the involved officer should be charged.
On Jan. 29, 2025 Joseph Barton was charged with perjury and fabricating evidence, offences pursuant to sec. 132 and sec. 137 of the Criminal Code of Canada. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled for first appearance in the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on March 6.
As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released.
ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.