A municipal standards officer with the City of Toronto is facing charges of sexual assault, breach of trust by a public officer, and municipal corruption.
Police say that Edward Hayes, 48, allegedly attended a Guildwood massage parlour in uniform and on duty and received a massage on March 28. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman.
Detective Shawn Mahoney of 43 Division said that the police started the investigation after receiving a complaint from the city itself. "They co-operated and of course wanted this done properly," he said.
Robert Andrusevich, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto, confirmed that the city notified the police when they heard the allegations, and that Mr. Hayes no longer works for the city.
Because of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Andrusevich said he could not comment on the nature of the city's investigation.
Municipal standards officers issue business licenses and permits and enforce the city's by-laws. They also investigate complaints of noise, by-law and license violations. Det. Mahoney said that their purview includes the licensing of massage parlours.
Det. Mahoney said the investigation suggests that there may be other victims, but police do not know where, when or how other incidents may have occurred. "This abuse of power occurred in that area, but who knows if it was in any other area, as well."
He encourages potential victims or witnesses to contact 43 Division. Mr. Hayes was released from custody Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court on May 13.