An 18 year veteran of the Winnipeg Police Service has been charged with dozens of drug and weapon related charges after a year-long investigation.
Constable Trent Milan, 42, faces a long list of offences including attempting to obstruct justice, criminal breach of trust, and possession of controlled substances including meth, cocaine, and ecstacy.
Winnipeg Police Deputy Chief Danny Smyth unveiled the charges at a news conference Thursday.
"This is a dark chapter for the Winnipeg Police Service,” Smyth said, adding the investigation is ongoing.
"Best neighbour I've ever had. He'd give his shirt off your back to help you.i didn't expect this from him,” neighbor Dave Lochhead said. "Police were here all day, I thought something was up. I didn't think it was any good cause they took him away."
Police said Milan was recently assigned to general patrol duties with the West District Unit. However, the investigation into his conduct dates back to 2010 when he was with the Street Crime Unit.
Officials said the investigation centers around Milan’s conduct involving the handling of property, drugs, and cash in multiple events.
Police said it is also alleged Milan has shared police information.
Smyth said while the investigation is ongoing, it was important to release this information because of the seriousness of the charges.
Milan was arrested Wednesday and released on a promise to appear. Police said he’s been placed on administrative leave, and his status will be reviewed by the Chief of Police once the investigation is completed.
Police also said the Independent Investigations Unit has been monitoring the investigation, and was briefed on the arrest prior to Milan’s release.
Court documents reveal some detail into what he's accused of stealing and what police found when they executed a search warrant at his home.
In March 2010, back when Milan was assigned the street crime unit, he was accused of stealing jewelry worth more than $5000.
Allegations that he attempted to obstruct justice stem from something that happened in August.
According to the documents, police found a number of weapons he did not have a license for on Sept. 14 when they arrested him – including brass knuckles, bear spray and a high capacity pistol magazine.
Milan was arrested, released with a promise to appear with an undertaking in court Nov. 1.
With files from Sarah Plowman.