T.O. COPS CHARGED IN PROBE

Former Drug Officers

TORONTO -- An American-style police corruption scandal exploded in
Toronto yesterday after six former drug squad cops were arrested and
charged with 40 Criminal Code offences.

The charges stem from allegations that include extortion, thefts and
the falsification of notes, police records, court testimony and
search-warrant affidavits.

Four more ex-drug officers are named as unindicted co-conspirators in
an alleged conspiracy, but they are not charged.

Scores of Police Services Act charges -- including misconduct, deceit
and discreditable conduct -- will be laid against all the indicted and
unindicted officers, as well as other officers, sources said.

The charges follow a two-year probe by an RCMP-led task force started
by Chief Julian Fantino, who said at a media briefing yesterday he is
"deeply saddened and disappointed."

"Without doubt, and from all points of view, this whole situation is
regrettable," he said.

'ISOLATED' ALLEGATIONS

Fantino said the allegations are "isolated and confined," but as many
as 150 drug cases have already been stayed as a result of the
investigation.

And sources say there are concerns more cases will be stayed,
convictions appealed and more civil court lawsuits filed.

The six officers charged are: Staff Sgt. John Schertzer, the former
field boss of "Team 3" of the Central Field Command drug squad, his
lieutenant Det. Steve Correia, and detectives Joseph Miched, Ray
Pollard, Richard Benoit and Ned Maodus.

All but Maodus were fingerprinted, photographed and charged yesterday
after they surrendered with a lawyer and union officials.

Named as unindicted co-conspirators are: Jason Kondo, Greg Forestall,
Jonathan Reid and Mike Turnbull.

Maodus, who has been under virtual house arrest at his parent's
Windsor home for almost two years, was not at 32 Division, but he was
among the six accused when they were ushered into the prisoner's box
of a reserved Scarborough courtroom.

All six posted sureties of at least $25,000 and were freed.