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The president of the union for rank-and-file Ottawa police officers and civilian members has been accused of sexual assault dating back to 2008, CBC News has learned.
An April 17 email from the board of directors of the Ottawa Police Association — obtained by CBC — states that Matthew Cox is being investigated by Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
The union board wrote that the allegation against Cox is unrelated to his work with the union and that Cox remains president.
“This is an active investigation, and it is essential that the process be allowed to proceed independently without interference…. The Board confirms that President Cox remains in his role at this time. The allegation relates to a matter reported to have occurred in 2008, prior to his election as president,” the union’s email reads.
“At this stage, as with every criminal investigation, the allegation remains unproven. The principle of the presumption of innocence applies, and no conclusions should be drawn until the investigative process has been completed.”
SIU investigating OPS sexual assault allegation
The SIU is currently investigating a sexual assault allegation involving the Ottawa Police Service and was notified about the allegation on March 25, according to the watchdog’s website.
The unit wouldn’t confirm that Cox is the subject of the investigation, it said in an email Monday. Officers are only identified by the unit if they end up being charged.
To date, Cox has not been charged. The SIU investigation will determine whether there are grounds to lay criminal charges or not.
In response to questions about Cox, the Ottawa Police Service wrote in a statement that it became aware of a historical sex misconduct allegation “against a member” on March 24 (the day before the SIU was notified), and that it immediately notified the SIU. It deferred all other comment to the watchdog.
The SIU investigates fatalities, serious injuries, shots being fired and allegations of sexual assault involving police in Ontario.
Cox became president of the Ottawa Police Association in December 2022. He joined the force in 2006.
He did not respond to a request for comment Monday.