Winnipeg police officer charged with sex assault, extortion

A 39-year-old Winnipeg police officer is accused of using his position as an officer to obtain sexual favours from two women.

The constable, who is now administrative leave, isfacingmultiple charges including sexual assault, extortion and harassment after a lengthy investigation by Winnipeg police.

The Winnipeg Police Service said its professional standards unit began a criminal investigation into Const. Remi Van Den Driessche in June 2013.

After months of investigatingand consultationswith Manitoba Justice, Van Den Driessche is facing a total of nine charges including sexual assault, two counts of breach of trust, two counts of extortion and four counts of criminal harassment.

Officers said the allegations involve conduct on and off duty.

Court documents show there are fivevictims, all of whom are women.

In two cases, the officer is accused of using his position as a police officer to obtain sexual favours from women. The officer has been ordered to stay away from the six women and to stay away from the areas of Main Street at Higgins Avenue as well asMcPhillips Street at Mountain Avenue.

Winnipeg police did not provide any details on the incidents the charges stemmed from.

Van Den Driessche has been released on a promise to appear and is on administrative leave.

Winnipeg police said his employment status will be reviewed.