RCMP probe ex-Mountie
Andy Ivens, The Province
Published: Tuesday, October 03, 2006

An internal RCMP hearing began yesterday into the conduct of a former Prince George constable who was cleared last year of criminal consequences arising from allegations of sexual misconduct with native girls.

The allegations against Const. Justin Harris, who has been suspended with pay since September 2004, were made following the conviction of former provincial court judge David Ramsay.

"There are allegations of contravening the RCMP code of conduct," Staff-Sgt. John Ward said yesterday.

"If there is insufficient evidence to go in a Criminal Code matter, then we're going to look at it from an internal point of view."

The tribunal is composed of three senior Mounties from outside B.C. It can impose a penalty ranging from a reprimand to dismissal.

Ramsay was sentenced in June 2004 to seven years for sexual assault causing bodily harm, obtaining the sexual services of someone under 18 and breach of trust. Now 63, he became eligible for full parole this week.

aivens@png.canwest.com