Misconduct charges of discreditable conduct against longtime Barrie police officer, Inspector Valarie Gates under the Police Services Act could soon be heading to a hearing.
The hearing dates, along with motions dates, were put on the record during teleconference calls to address two separate counts against Gates, laid in December 2023 and June 2024.
A teleconference held Tuesday confirmed hearing dates in October to address the first misconduct charge that Barrie police announced 16 months ago was related to an “on-duty, internal incident” involving another member of Barrie Police Service following an investigation by the OPP Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion and Leadership.
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A different hearing held Wednesday morning set hearing dates for mid December.
Lawyer Jessica Barrow, who is handling both prosecutions, said the second set of allegations “flows from an investigation into a previous incident” and the has scheduled the hearing to occur chronologically. The first charge is overseen by retired OPP Superintendent Morris Elbers. The second charge will be adjudicated by Greg Walton of the OPP.
The veteran Barrie Police officer, who is represented by lawyer Joanne Mulcahy, is married to Chief of police Rich Johnston. Gates remains on active duty and has not been suspended, according to Barrie Police Service.
The defence has attributed several adjournments and delays to requests for outstanding disclosure from the OPP.
Gates has been a police officer for nearly 30 years.
