2 BC police officers arrested and charged following sexual assault investigation

An investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman by two police officers in BC has led to criminal charges, the Vancouver Police Department announced this afternoon.

Two Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) officers were arrested early this morning and charged in connection to alleged offences that took place starting in January 2019.

Matthew Ball, age 43, and Ryan Johnston, age 40, were arrested while they were on their way to work this morning by VPD and the Victoria Police Department, following a covert investigation that was handled by the VPD over the last seven weeks.

They remain in custody pending bail hearings that are expected to take place soon.

VPD initiated a criminal investigation on October 28, at the request of CSPS, after a person came forward with information about two officers who allegedly had unlawful sexual contact with an adult woman they met while on duty.

Although the woman was an adult, she was in a “vulnerable” state when the offences took place.

Out of concern for protecting the victim’s identity in the small community of Central Saanich, investigators could only disclose that the victim is a woman in her mid-20s.

VPD confirmed that Ball, who has a rank of Sergeant and who was working as a patrol officer before his arrest, was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, for alleged offences that occurred between February 1, 2019 and October 31, 2023 in Central Saanich.

Before working for the CSPS starting in 2016, he was an officer with the Calgary Police for 12 years. The Calgary department has been notified.

Johnston was also charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust, for alleged offences that occurred between February 1, 2019 and October 31, 2023 in the District of Central Saanich.

He was hired by the CSPS in 2017. It is unknown what his previous work history is, but he had a rank of Constable, and was working in the general investigation section prior to his arrest.

Although both officers are connected to the same woman, Deputy Chief of the VPD Investigation Division, Fiona Wilson, confirmed that they acted independently of one another.

The officers formed a “separate, intimate and inappropriate” relationship with the woman.

“Allegations like these are deeply corrosive to the public trust police officers depend on to keep their communities safe,” says Wilson.

“To maintain trust in the criminal justice system, we must always be prepared to fully investigate allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within our own ranks, and to recommend criminal charges when compelling evidence exists.”

The investigation is ongoing, and police ask anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call 604-717-0604.