DURHAM RESIDENT EMPLOYED BY YORK POLICE CHARGED

OFFICER JORDAN NESBITT, 24, FALSELY REPORTED HE HAD GROUNDS TO CONDUCT A SEARCH, YORK POLICE ALLEGE

A York Regional police officer identified as a resident of Durham Region is facing criminal charges after an internal probe into allegations of falsifying evidence during a drug investigation.

An investigation by professional standards officers was begun after other cops expressed concern about the October 2021 incident, York police said in announcing the charges April 19. It is alleged an officer falsely reported he had grounds to conduct a search that led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine, police said.

"I am deeply disappointed by this violation of the public trust, however, I am very proud of and commend those officers who came forward to report their concerns to their supervisors," said York police Chief Jim Macsween.

The incident that led to the charges began as a traffic stop in Markham, police said. An officer removed the driver and passenger, then conducted a search of the car, police said.

The officer found a quantity of cocaine inside a purse, and claimed after the fact he'd searched the purse because he had observed cocaine and marijuana in the car at the outset of the stop, police said.

"No physical evidence or information from other officers at the stop confirmed the presence of cocaine or cannabis visible prior to the search," York police said in a statement.

Jordan Nesbitt, 24, a resident of Durham Region, is charged with fabrication of evidence, obstruction of justice and breach of trust. He has a court date in Newmarket May 25.

Nesbitt has been with York police since 2019. He's currently suspended with pay, as per provincial legislation.