A disciplinary proceeding against Sergeant Robert Mugridge of the Chatham-Kent Police Service has wrapped up early, after he announced his retirement.
Police officials say Mugridge had previously been found guilty of 50 counts of misconduct.
The Service was seeking the dismissal of Mugridge from his employment in the disciplinary proceeding, police officials say.
Police officials say Chief of Police Gary Conn is pleased that this matter has concluded, with Mugridge no longer being employed by the Service and without the necessity of further legal proceedings.
Police officials say Mugridge’s retirement has resulted in a loss of jurisdiction for the disciplinary proceeding under the Police Services Act.
However, if any police service in Ontario were to employ him in the next five years that Service would be obliged to continue the prosecution as outlined under the Police Services Act.
Reports say Mugridge has a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, where his criminal proceedings will continue.
He was facing over 50 criminal charges of fraud. Back in August of 2017, Mugridge entered a guilty plea to one all-encompassing count of fraud over $5,000.
In 2014, Mugridge was charged under the Police Services Act with Discreditable Conduct.
Police officials say the charge was as a result of an investigation, which was initially conducted by the Professional Standards Section of the Chatham-Kent Police, and subsequently handed over to the London Police Service at the request of former Chatham-Kent Chief of Police, Dennis Poole.
The investigations surrounded the conduct of Mugridge into how financial loans and other monies were obtained from financial institutions, members of the public and members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, police officials said.
Mugridge was charged with 50 counts of Discreditable Conduct, 1 count of Deceit, 1 count of Corrupt Practice under Police Services Act Code of Conduct.
Since the charges first came to light, Mugridge was suspended from duty with pay.
Reports say Mugridge will be eligible for a pension.
