Former St. Thomas Police Constable Garry Christiansen has been sentenced to 30 months in Federal Custody and three years of probation. Christiansen was sentenced on Friday at the Elgin County Courthouse.
Christiansen was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual exploitation and assault in relation to incidents between Christiansen and a girl younger than 16 between 2016 and 2017.
Christiansen pleaded guilty to one count of sexual interference.
St. Thomas Police Chief Chris Herridge says in a statement that the sentence demonstrates that everyone regardless of their position or profession will be held accountable for criminal actions. Herridge says that the Police Service hopes that the sentencing can provide closure to the victim, their family and the community.
Herridge also says that they are aware of the negative perception that the incident created. He says that is not a reflection of the men and women in the St. Thomas Police Service, as they all work very hard each day to uphold the law and keep the community safe.
