FORMER DRUG SQUAD OFFICER SUES FORCE

A Mississauga man who once worked as an undercover narcotics officer
on the Toronto Police Service is suing the force and its former chief
Julian Fantino for $5 million.

In a lawsuit filed yesterday, 39-year-old Robert Kelly of Mississauga
alleges Fantino and former Superintendent Anthony Warr unjustly tried
to force him to resign from the force during an internal disciplinary hearing.

Kelly, who claims he became addicted to cocaine on the job, pleaded
guilty to drug possession after being arrested in 2001.

His lawyer worked out a deal that would see him keep his job if he
agreed to random drug testing.

Warr rejected the deal and ordered Kelly to resign or be fired.

Kelly took the matter to court, won the right to keep his job and
then quit the force earlier this year despite the ruling in his favour.

Kelly says he was unfairly prosecuted.

The Toronto police force told the CBC they will not comment on the
matter while it is before the courts.

Kelly alleges the Toronto Police Services wanted to make an example
of him because of the misconduct of other drug squad officers. He
said Fantino wanted to look like he was cracking down on the drug squads.

Kelly has also accused the Toronto force of keeping him on the drug
squad longer than three years, which is generally accepted as a safe
term. He alleges he made repeated requests for a transfer.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.