Although a judge found a police officer guilty of more than 40 count of insurance fraud, breach of trust and obstructing justice, the fact he remains on the force has left readers up in arms.
“This is not right; I am angry that someone who clearly committed fraud not only against the insurance companies and the public - because we all eventually have to pay at some point,” wrote Annette Delaney. “(This) appears to be the field to be in if you are crooked, as you would not suffer any repercussions. In fact, you are rewarded with time off. To think this individual is hired to protect the public is laughable.”
The 23-year-veteran of the Peel Regional force, Const. Carlton Watson, is suspended with pay, two weeks after a judge ruled he was paid in cash by two men, including a tow truck driver and manager, to provide accident reports that passed off staged or bogus car crashes as legitimate ones as part of a scam that bilked insurance companies out of more than $1 million.
His suspension remains in place at least until his sentencing, scheduled for May 29, when his employment status will be re-assessed at that time.
Under Ontario's Police Services Act, the only time a police officer doesn't get paid while suspended is if he or she is convicted and sentenced to prison.
But it is a policy that has rankled readers.
“This is sick. Not only did he steal from the insurance system, with the help of the collective bargaining agreement, he is stealing from the taxpayer,” wrote Dominic to
Insurance Business. “What are the odds that he had to pay his own legal fees and has to make full restitution?”
Watson, who lives in Mississauga, admitted in testimony he prepared the accident reports without attending the scene and, in most cases, didn't speak to any of the drivers and passengers claiming to be involved in the crashes.
Miss the original article? See ‘Cop convicted of fraud remains on the force.’
