OFFICER FACING THREE NEW CHARGES

Toronto Constable Remanded In Custody

A veteran Toronto police officer accused earlier this year of participating
in a crime spree involving alleged fake drug shakedowns and home invasions
is behind bars on three new charges.

A handcuffed Constable Darin Cooper was remanded in custody after making a
brief appearance in a Newmarket court yesterday. He is scheduled to return
to court in Barrie next week for a bail hearing on a charge of breach of
recognizance, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. The latter
two charges were laid in connection with the earlier allegations.

York Region police arrested Cooper without incident Aug. 3 about 6 p.m.
while he was with his wife at their Whitby home.

His lawyer, Todd White, wouldn't comment on which bail condition his client
is alleged to have breached, saying only that the charge will be heard next
Wednesday. He also noted there is a publication ban on proceedings.

"He's doing as well as could be expected," White said of his client, who is
in the Metro East Detention Centre awaiting the bail hearing.

A 10-year veteran with the Toronto force who worked in the criminal
investigation bureau at 55 Division, on Coxwell Ave. near Dundas St. E.,
Cooper, 30, and six other men were arrested in March in connection with the
alleged crime ring. The arrests were made after a joint forces
investigation involving York and Toronto police.

Police raided six addresses and seized a cache of weapons, including 25
handguns, body armour, police identification badges, 11 kilograms of
marijuana valued at some $125,000, $130,000 cash and six luxury vehicles.

Cooper and his co-accused were charged with attempted murder, breach of
trust, impersonating police, armed robbery, conspiracy, possession of a
controlled substance, possession of unregistered restricted weapons,
assault, break and enter, and possession of stolen property obtained by crime.

Cooper was suspended with pay. He was released on bail in April.