Sarnia’s police chief, currently on suspension, is now under criminal investigation following a complaint filed by a local business owner and former city council member. The complaint was forwarded by Ontario’s Inspectorate of Policing to York Regional Police due to suspicions of potential criminal offenses. York Regional Police confirmed an active investigation but declined to disclose further details.

The probe was initiated after Nathan Colquhoun submitted a complaint earlier this year, alleging Chief Derek Davis’ conduct in hiring practices and private consulting activities. Colquhoun, the owner and columnist of The Sarnia Journal, accused Davis of misusing public resources while sending libel notices to the newspaper. Earlier, Davis had initiated and later dropped a $1.5 million defamation lawsuit against Colquhoun and his media company.

Davis, appointed as chief in 2022, had been on paid suspension since May while an external law firm investigated workplace harassment claims. Despite attempts, CBC News was unsuccessful in reaching Davis for comments. Kelly Ash, the Chair of Sarnia Police Services Board, acknowledged public concern in a recent statement but refrained from providing details on the criminal investigation.

Efforts have been made to obtain a copy of the complaint and supporting documents from Colquhoun. Meanwhile, Toronto’s former Deputy Police Chief Mike Federico has assumed the role of interim chief for the Sarnia police service during Davis’ suspension.