Former Thunder Bay Police Chief and Lawyer Charged in Obstruction and Breach of Trust Case

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged former Thunder Bay police chief Sylvie Hauth and ex-Thunder Bay police lawyer Holly Walbourne with multiple obstruction and breach of trust offences. The charges come as part of an ongoing OPP investigation into allegations of misconduct by members of the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS), which was requested by the Ministry of the Attorney General in December 2021.

Hauth, 57, of Ottawa, was arrested on April 12, 2024 and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 7, 2024. The charges against Hauth and Walbourne are related to allegations of "practising deception" in their interactions with the Thunder Bay police board, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, the Toronto Police Service, and others between October 2021 and November 2022.

In December 2023, the OPP also charged TBPS Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini with assault, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. Dimini's charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in August 2014, October 2016, and November 2020. He is currently suspended with pay.

None of the charges against Hauth, Walbourne, or Dimini have been tested or proven in court yet. Hauth retired in 2023 after being suspended with pay in 2022 due to misconduct allegations, while Walbourne resigned roughly a year ago but had a retainer agreement to assist with the transition of the incoming police chief.

Why this matters: The criminal charges against current and former senior members of the Thunder Bay Police Service underscore the ongoing issues and allegations of misconduct within the department. The leadership of the TBPS and its oversight board have promised reforms as the service faces increased scrutiny.

The OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) investigation into the Thunder Bay Police Service remains ongoing. Any questions about the employment status of the accused should be directed to the TBPS. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Key Takeaways

• Former Thunder Bay police chief and lawyer charged with obstruction, breach of trust
• Charges related to allegations of "practising deception" in interactions with authorities
• TBPS Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini also charged with assault, breach of trust, obstruction
• Charges against the accused have not been proven in court yet
• OPP investigation into TBPS misconduct allegations remains ongoing