Latest news with #MichaelDimini
CBC
26-05-2025
- CBC
Thunder Bay police sergeant's obstruction trial starts with former officer as first witness
Social Sharing Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini pleaded not guilty Monday at his trial for charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust. Dimini was originally charged in December 2023 following a nearly two-year Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation. He was originally also charged with two counts of assault — one was dismissed and Dimini was acquitted of the other. The Crown said the breach of trust charge is based on a theory that Dimini went into an apartment on November 24, 2020, without authority to retrieve something stolen from his then father-in-law, and to arrest someone inside with an outstanding warrant. Retired TBPS Constable Kelly Walsh took the stand Monday to describe his recollection of how a call that night to retrieve a stolen TV from a Frederica Street apartment descended into "chaos" when Dimini showed up unannounced. Walsh said he saw a woman, who he would later find out is Cassandra Stachiw, on the stairs of the apartment building carrying a TV. Walsh said in court there was a warrant out for the arrest of Stachiw's partner, Derrick Turner. He added that Turner was known to be linked to the drug trade. Walsh said he and the other officers at the scene spoke to the woman to negotiate the return of the TV, but also tried to figure out if Turner was currently in the apartment. Thunder Bay police, oversight board promise to rebuild trust, as ex-chief faces charges 1 year ago Duration 0:48 Leadership of the Thunder Bay Police Service and its oversight board promises to reform as three current or former members of the service face criminal charges. Stachiw agreed to give them the TV, but didn't allow them into her apartment, Walsh said. Without a warrant or consent of the occupant, Walsh said they weren't legally allowed to enter, so they prepared to leave. Walsh testified that Dimini, who had a higher rank, showed up at that moment to the apartment, and got into an argument with Stachiw. According to 911 calls played in the courtroom, the TV had been stolen from Dimini's then father-in-law. "Chaos ensued," Walsh said. He testified that Dimini went into the apartment without a warrant or lawful authority in order to look for Turner. Out of concern for Dimini's safety, Walsh said he and the three other officers followed the sergeant into the apartment. "We really had no control of the situation when we went in there," Walsh said. Once inside, Walsh said they found Turner hiding in a closet, another person sitting on a couch, and a third repeatedly flushing a toilet in the bathroom in what they believed was an attempt to get rid of illegal drugs. They arrested Turner, Stachiw and one of the other occupants. Walsh said there was yelling and that Turner resisted officers. Witness alleges Dimini's report was 'fabricated' The Crown said the charge of obstruction of justice by making false statements against Dimini is based on the notes and report Dimini wrote to support Stachiw's prosecution. Walsh said after making the arrests, he was afraid they would get in trouble for entering the apartment without a warrant. "When you believe you shouldn't be in there, and now you're wrestling with a guy, you're just fearful you've committed a violation of somebody's rights," he said. Walsh described speaking to Dimini outside the apartment building after officers put the suspects into a police vehicle. "His words were, 'it might be a charter breach, but it's no big deal,'" said Walsh to the court. Dimini visibly reacted to hearing this inside the courtroom, putting his hand to his forehead and audibly swearing. Walsh said his account of events differs from Dimini's. "When I read his report, it was fabricated," he said. The report written by Dimini about the arrest that night was attached to the agreed statement of facts submitted to the court. In it, Dimini said police saw Turner carrying a TV on the building stairs and run into the apartment. The report also said that when officers walked up to the apartment, Stachiw answered the door and was uncooperative. "Police have the authority to enter her residence, as it was in fresh pursuit of Derek Turner," said Dimini in the report. Security footage played in court showed a woman holding a TV in the apartment stairwell. Walsh testified that the woman was Stachiw. She is seen answering the front door of the building, and Walsh enters with the officers. Turner is not seen until later in the video, when he is brought out by police in handcuffs. Cassandra Stachiw is scheduled as the next witness. Derrick Turner is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in an October 2021 murder at another residence on Frederica street, according to court documents.
CBC
26-05-2025
- CBC
Obstruction, breach of trust trial for Thunder Bay police officer starts today
A Thunder Bay Police Service officer is facing his third criminal trial of the year on Monday. Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini will face trial on obstruction of justice and breach of trust charges. The charges are in connection to his duties as a police officer. The alleged offences both occurred on November 24, 2020, according to court documents obtained by CBC. The charges have not yet been tested in court. Dimini was originally charged in December 2023 following a nearly two-year Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation. He was originally charged with two counts of assault, breach of trust and obstruction of justice. In February, the Ontario Court of Justice dismissed one charge of assault against him after a four-day trial. The charge stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred in Thunder Bay in August 2014. Earlier this month, a judge acquitted Dimini of a second assault charge related to an alleged incident in October 2016. Dimini was released from custody after being charged. While awaiting trial, he's been suspended with pay from the Thunder Bay Police Service, as per the Police Services Act. His release was conditional upon not possessing any weapons or firearms, and refraining from contacting 85 different people. Alleged misconduct by Dimini was also laid out in human rights complaints filed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Multiple other people are also facing charges after the 2021 OPP investigation into allegations of misconduct at the Thunder Bay Police Service. Former police chief Sylvie Hauth and ex-Thunder Bay police lawyer Holly Walbourne were charged with multiple obstruction and breach of trust offences for allegedly "practising deception" in interactions with the Thunder Bay police board. Their cases are scheduled to be heard in Superior Court in November 2025. Another Thunder Bay police officer is also facing breach of trust charges in an unrelated alleged incident. Const. Peter Ritchie allegedly stole property in July 2024. He was arrested in October 2024 on theft and breach of trust charges. Ritchie is due back in court in June.
CBC
28-02-2025
- CBC
Judge dismisses 1 assault charge for Thunder Bay, Ont., police officer, but 2 more trials remain
Social Sharing The Ontario Court of Justice has dismissed one charge of assault for a Thunder Bay police officer, though he still has two trials ahead of him for other matters. The assault trial for Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini began Monday in the northwestern Ontario city and ended Thursday with a dismissal. The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in Thunder Bay in August 2014, according to court documents obtained by CBC. After a nearly two-year investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police announced in December 2023 that Dimini was charged with: Dimini still has to return to court for: A trial confirmation hearing scheduled for April 4 in relation to an alleged assault in October 2016. A trial confirmation hearing scheduled for May 2 in relation to the breach of trust charge, in connection with his duties as a police officer in November 2020. None of the charges against Dimini have been proven in court. He has pleaded not guilty. Different judges from out of town will oversee the remaining trials. Dimini was released from custody after being charged and suspended from the Thunder Bay Police Service with pay, as per the Police Services Act. His release was conditional upon not possessing any weapons or firearms, and refraining from contacting 85 different people.
CBC
24-02-2025
- CBC
Trial set to start today for Thunder Bay, Ont., police officer charged in 2014 assault
The first of three scheduled trials for a suspended Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) officer was set to begin this morning at the city's courthouse. The assault trial for Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in the northwestern Ontario city in August 2014, according to court documents obtained by CBC. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced charges against Dimini in December 2023 following a nearly two-year investigation. He was originally charged with two counts of assault, breach of trust and obstruction of justice. Dimini has three separate trials set for 2025, also including: A trial confirmation hearing scheduled for April in relation to an alleged assault in October 2016. A May trial confirmation hearing scheduled in regards to the breach of trust trial, in connection with his duties as a police officer in November 2020. Each of the matters will be heard by different out-of-town judges. None of the charges against Dimini have been proven in court. He has pleaded not guilty. Officer suspended with pay Dimini was released from custody after being charged. He was suspended from TBPS with pay as required by the Police Services Act. His release was conditional upon not possessing any weapons or firearms and refraining from contacting 85 different people. Alleged misconduct by Dimini was also laid out in human rights complaints filed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission. WATCH | Some of the controversies facing Thunder Bay police and its leadership: Thunder Bay police chief vows to rebuild public trust 10 months ago Duration 2:01 The Thunder Bay Police Service vowed to rebuild public trust after charges were filed against a former chief, but some community members and Indigenous leaders say they're skeptical that the force can reform. He's among multiple people linked to Thunder Bay's embattled police force who are currently facing charges. A former TBPS police chief and former TBPS lawyer both face criminal charges stemming from the same 2021 OPP investigation that led to the breach of trust charges against Dimini. Former police chief Sylvie Hauth and ex-Thunder Bay police lawyer Holly Walbourne were charged with multiple obstruction and breach of trust offences for allegedly "practising deception" in interactions with the Thunder Bay police board. Constables Taylor Auger, Ryan Dougherty, Andrew Frankow and Michael Moore were charged with assault causing bodily harm relating to separate alleged incidents in 2023 and 2024. Auger's charges are scheduled to be spoken to on Thursday, while Dougherty's, Frankow's and Moore's charges are scheduled to be addressed in March and April. Const. Peter Ritchie, who was charged with property theft and breach of trust in October 2024, is scheduled to have his case heard before the court in March. In addition to the litany of criminal charges, TBPS has faced scrutiny for its handling of death and missing-persons cases. Ontario's inspector general of policing announced in October 2024 he would evaluate how the TBPS conducts death and missing-person investigations, and its compliance wit the province's policing legislation.
CBC
24-02-2025
- CBC
Trial set to start today for Thunder Bay police officer charged in 2014 assault
Social Sharing The first of three scheduled trials for a suspended Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) officer was set to begin this morning at the city's courthouse. The assault trial for Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in Thunder Bay in August 2014, according to court documents obtained by CBC. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced charges against Dimini in December 2023 following a nearly two-year investigation. He was originally charged with two counts of assault, breach of trust and obstruction of justice. Dimini has three separate trials set for 2025, also including: A trial confirmation hearing is scheduled for April in relation to an alleged assault in October 2016. A May trial confirmation hearing is scheduled in regards to the breach of trust trial, in connection with his duties as a police officer in November 2020. Each of the matters will be heard by different out-of-town judges. None of the charges against Dimini have been proven in court. He has pleaded not guilty. Officer suspended with pay Dimini was released from custody after being charged. He was suspended from TBPS with pay as required by the Police Services Act. His release was conditional upon not possessing any weapons or firearms and refraining from contacting 85 different people. Alleged misconduct by Dimini was also laid out in human rights complaints filed to the Ontario Human Rights Commission. WATCH | Some of the controversies facing Thunder Bay police and its leadership: Thunder Bay police chief vows to rebuild public trust 10 months ago Duration 2:01 The Thunder Bay Police Service vowed to rebuild public trust after charges were filed against a former chief, but some community members and Indigenous leaders say they're skeptical that the force can reform. He's among multiple people linked to Thunder Bay's embattled police force who are currently facing charges. A former TBPS police chief and former TBPS lawyer both face criminal charges stemming from the same 2021 OPP investigation that led to the breach of trust charges against Dimini. Former police chief Sylvie Hauth and ex-Thunder Bay police lawyer Holly Walbourne were charged with multiple obstruction and breach of trust offences for allegedly "practising deception" in interactions with the Thunder Bay police board. Constables Taylor Auger, Ryan Dougherty, Andrew Frankow and Michael Moore were charged with assault causing bodily harm relating to separate alleged incidents in 2023 and 2024. Auger's charges are scheduled to be spoken to on Thursday, while Dougherty's, Frankow's and Moore's charges are scheduled to be addressed in March and April. Const. Peter Ritchie, who was charged with property theft and breach of trust in October 2024, is scheduled to have his case heard before the court in March. In addition to the litany of criminal charges, TBPS has faced scrutiny for its handling of death and missing-persons cases. Ontario's inspector general of policing announced in October 2024 he would evaluate how the TBPS conducts death and missing-person investigations, and its compliance wit the province's policing legislation.
