Jeffery Turnbull has been acquitted of charges of sexually assaulting a fellow Hamilton police officer in 2022 after a trial that commenced in January. Ontario Justice Jennifer Marie Campitelli delivered the verdict in Burlington, expressing skepticism about the credibility of the complainant and siding with Turnbull.
During the trial, the Crown alleged that Turnbull engaged in inappropriate behavior towards the younger officer, including sending unsolicited messages, gifts, and making sexual advances, leading to the alleged sexual assault in March 2022. The complainant testified that Turnbull persistently contacted her, sent explicit images, and emotionally manipulated her, culminating in the assault at his home.
The defense contended that the relationship was consensual, presenting text messages as evidence of a friendly interaction. Turnbull asserted that the encounter was consensual and planned, contrary to the complainant’s account of non-consensual behavior.
Justice Campitelli highlighted discrepancies in the complainant’s testimony, pointing out inconsistencies in her workplace notes and the timing of alleged incidents. She also questioned the complainant’s honesty regarding gifts received from Turnbull. Ultimately, the court ruled that the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the sexual conduct was non-consensual, leading to Turnbull’s acquittal.
Turnbull, who is currently suspended with pay, awaits further decisions from the Hamilton Police Service’s Professional Standards team. The long and challenging legal process was acknowledged by the head of the Hamilton Police Association, who pledged support for both parties moving forward. The next steps may involve internal investigations depending on directives from Chief Frank Bergen or external oversight agencies.
Despite the outcome, the complainant remains a constable in the Hamilton police force, while Turnbull could potentially resume his duties pending official determinations.