CORRUPTION 'LIMITED,' FANTINO MAINTAINS

Stunning allegations involving Toronto Police "go to the heart" of the
force's credibility, Chief Julian Fantino said yesterday. The
allegations, previously disclosed by Toronto Sun sources, centre on a
protection racket in the entertainment district and sex coerced from
transvestite hookers

Fantino confirmed yesterday that an officer has been suspended with
pay and the current 52 Division plainclothes unit disbanded.

Det.-Const. Bill McCormack Jr., youngest son of former chief Bill
McCormack, has been suspended with pay, sources said.

Sources allege an officer took "protection money" from up to eight
bars and clubs in the entertainment district for his tips on impending
police raids.

COERCED SEX

It is also alleged an officer coerced free sex from up to eight
transvestite prostitutes; one was recently charged with purposely
spreading AIDS.

Fantino said an internal probe continues and promised it would go
"wherever the evidence leads us."

No charges have been laid and none of the allegations have been
proven.

There is "sadness and great disappointment for all of us," Fantino
told a media conference at police headquarters.

Fantino said the 52 Division scandal is "contained and confined to
small areas" and he believes public trust in the Toronto Police
Service "remains high."

Fantino said he "took immediate action" when he learned about the
allegations last Thursday, suspending an officer.

Fantino said the majority of Toronto cops are "decent, honourable and
hard-working."

Meanwhile, The Toronto Sun learned yesterday that Rick McIntosh's
decision to temporarily step down as Toronto Police Association
president, due to "rumour and innuendo," has no direct links with
either McCormack, or with 52 Division, where McIntosh served as a
plainclothes officer.

'RUMOURS'

The Toronto Police Association's board of directors said in a
statement yesterday that it supports McIntosh, adding that he "faces
rumour and innuendo, nothing more."

McIntosh could not be reached for comment.