Investigation of Kelowna RCMP says no crime committed

KELOWNA – After a three-month investigation centering on an allegation at the Kelowna RCMP detachment, Abbotsford Police Department say they haven’t found any evidence a crime was committed.

Abbotsford police spokesperson Const. Ian MacDonald confirmed their police department was called in on Labour Day long weekend to investigate, but declined to be specific while the investigation was underway.

"We have to be cautious in what we release because this is an ongoing investigation,” he said. “I don’t want to create any kind of influence on the investigation.”

When asked if he could clarify if the allegations involved the public or if it was internal to the detachment, he said: “I would suggest that it involves the detachment.”

According to Global Okanagan, Abbotsford Police are investigating Supt. Nick Romanchuk, who suddenly retired amid the investigation, and Langley Police are investigating his right-hand man, Insp. John Ibbitson.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30 a release was sent to media saying “The Abbotsford Police Department has concluded the investigation of a single complaint connected to an individual at the Kelowna RCMP detachment which began in early September 2016.

“Our investigation did not find evidence that a criminal offence was committed.”

No names are mentioned in the release. 

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