Who are the Toronto police officers accused of assisting organized crime? Here’s what we know so far
CBC
A major corruption probe by police in York Region on Thursday led to the arrest of seven active Toronto police officers and one retired officer, accused of assisting organized crime.
At least one of those officers is in custody, one is released and CBC News is working to determine the status of the others.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw says he’s seeking suspension without pay for at least four of the active members, and says his service will be bolstering its professional standards.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Service has requested the province’s inspector general of policing to investigate issues like supervision and access to information systems within the police force
Here’s what we know so far about the officers facing criminal charges.
Const. Timothy Barnhardt, 56, is facing the longest list of offences, and York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan called Barnhardt the “genesis” of the investigation. Police allege Barnhardt released confidential information to criminals, which helped facilitate targeted shootings.
He’s also accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation, and additionally of being involved in cocaine trafficking.
Barnhardt, of Mississauga, faces 17 charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit public mischief, and numerous drug trafficking charges. He appeared in a Toronto court Thursday.
He remains in custody, with his bail hearing adjourned until Friday. CBC News has reached out to his lawyer, but has not yet heard back.
According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Barnhardt earned $131,241.80 as a Toronto police constable in 2024. According to his profile on X, formerly Twitter,he at one point worked as a neighbourhood community officer in Rockcliffe-Smythe. Court documents suggest Barnhardt has nearly 20 years’ experience with Toronto police.
In 2016, Barnhardt pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct at a Toronto Police Service disciplinary hearing. It was related to an incident in 2015, when Barnhardt parked a marked police vehicle in a closed car lot.
When the owner of the lot arrived and asked him to leave, an argument ensued and Barnhardt “let his emotions get the best of him,” according to the hearing decision, and accused the man of running a red light, though video evidence later showed he had not.
Sgt. Robert Black, 42, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation. He’s also accused of being involved in cocaine trafficking.
Black, of Vaughan, faces four charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
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