HALIFAX REGIONAL POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH EXTORTION

LANTZ: The Halifax Regional Police officer charged with extortion Dec. 12
is to stay away from two convicted drug dealers, one of which resides in
Lantz. Const. Jeffrey Buchanan can't come into direct or indirect contact
or communication with Lantz resident Shawn Kenneth Banfield, 25, or Donya
Rhandelle Kristen Delaney, 23, of Halifax.

The 29-year-old Buchanan has also been ordered to remain living at his
home in Dartmouth and prohibited from going within 150 metres of
Banfield's address in Lantz or Delaney's Halifax home.

Buchanan was arrested at about 2:30 a.m., Dec. 12, while on duty after two
officers relayed information to their superiors Dec. 10, about possible
criminal misconduct by another officer, Buchanan. An investigation into
the allegations began immediately and ended with the arrest of Buchanan.
He faces charges of extortion and breach of public trust.

He was released on bail and is suspended with pay from his duties with
HRP. Buchanan surrendered his firearm and will be in Halifax provincial
court for a Jan. 26, court date.

According to court records, Buchanan allegedly "did induce Banfield by
threats to Banfield to pay the said sum of money ($5,100)."

It continued to say the alleged offence occurred on Dec. 10.Police said
the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be added.

Banfield's record includes two convictions for possession of drugs for the
purpose of trafficking from 2006. He's due back in court for a related
charge in February. Banfield has also been convicted on several
weapons-related and resisting arrest offences.

He was due in court Dec. 16, for an assault charge and for breaching court
orders.

Meanwhile, Delaney was convicted in March of possessing drugs for the
purpose of trafficking as it related to a September 2008 incident in
Springhill. For that offence, she was given a six-month conditional
sentence and ordered by the court to have no contact with Banfield.