Former Kamloops sheriff facing four charges for allegedly initiating relationship with ‘underage girl’

KAMLOOPS – A former Kamloops deputy sheriff is facing four charges after becoming ensnared in a vigilante group's sting while allegedly attempting to engage in a relationship with a '14-year-old girl.'

The Criminal Justice Branch has charged Kevin Johnston with three counts of communicating with a person believed to be underage for the purpose of facilitating a sexual offence and one count of invitation to sexual touching, according to a Criminal Justice Branch media release

"These alleged offences are said to have occurred between August 8, 2016 and August 27, 2016, at or near the cities of Kamloops and Kelowna," the release says.

Kelowna RCMP asked the Criminal Justice Branch for assistance in their investigation on Sept. 1.

Michael Tammen was appointed as the special prosecutor in the case "to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of criminal justice" because Johnston was an employee of the Ministry of Justice, the release states.

Johnson is no longer employed with the B.C. Public Service. His first court appearance is schedule for Oct. 20 in Kelowna Provincial court.

The allegations against Johnston first came to light about two weeks ago when a group called Creep Hunters alleged to make contact with him online while a member of the group pretended to be a 14-year-old girl.

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