An Ottawa police superintendent who was previously accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a female recruit is now facing internal disciplinary charges after the criminal case against him collapsed due to the complainant withdrawing from the proceedings. Supt. Mark Patterson is accused of three counts of discreditable conduct, including using his position to improperly influence the recruitment process, engaging in an unprofessional intimate relationship with a recruitment candidate, and participating in a sexual act without consent.
Patterson recently appeared for the first time in relation to the disciplinary charges and is set to appear again in December. The charges that were dropped earlier included two counts of sexual assault and breach of trust. The complainant’s decision to no longer participate in the criminal process led to the withdrawal of the charges as the prosecution lacked a key witness.
Following the suspension of Patterson in June 2022, it was revealed that he has received over $500,000 in salary while suspended with pay. Patterson has maintained his innocence through his defense lawyer and plans to plead not guilty, anticipating exoneration. The internal disciplinary charges were initiated based on a chief’s complaint under the Police Services Act.
Chief Eric Stubbs addressed the seriousness of the allegations when they surfaced, emphasizing the service’s zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment. Patterson’s previous role involved overseeing intelligence units and recruitment of new officers, with the allegations being linked to his time in the recruitment division where he allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a woman he recruited after meeting her at a local gym.
The incident gained attention when a video posted on social media showed Patterson offering a job to a recruit at the gym, which was part of an official police recruitment event. Patterson’s social media activity, including congratulatory messages to female police recruits, came under scrutiny following the allegations.