Evidence gathered during ASIRT’s investigation provided reasonable grounds to believe offences had been committed. As 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 by the ACPS that the evidence met their standard for prosecution, executive director Michael Ewenson, K.C. determined that the involved officer should be charged.
On Dec. 12, Const. Matthew Villeneuve was charged with one count of sec. 122 and one count of sec. 162.1 of the Criminal Code. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled for his first appearance in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Feb. 26, 2025.
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.