Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Jan 09/02) - The former non-commissioned officer in charge of the Baker Lake detachment of the RCMP has been charged with possession of child pornography.

A group of RCMP officers arrived in Baker Lake on Sunday, Nov. 25, to relieve Cpl. Paul Richer of his duties in that community and return him to Iqaluit.

The RCMP wouldn't release any further information at that time, saying only that Cpl. Richer had been transferred to administrative duties in Iqaluit pending the outcome of a confidential investigation involving the officer.

Richer was formally charged with possession of child pornography this past week by the RCMP's major crime unit in Iqaluit.

Richer, a 14-year member of the RCMP, made his first appearance in the Nunavut Court of Justice Monday in Iqaluit.

Inspector Jim MacDougall, V Division district operations officer, said Richer is suspended from duty pending the outcome of the matter.

MacDougall said the investigation leading to the charge was focused strictly on Richer.

He could not, however, confirm or deny if the charge stemmed from activity while Richer was actually in Baker Lake, or from a previous location.

"That information forms part of the actual investigation and, because the matter is before the courts, I can't comment on it," said MacDougall.

"The suspension is a standard RCMP practice ordered by the commanding officer of the division and will stay in place until such time as the court finishes its process.

"At that time the RCMP will decide if any further action is warranted."

A new officer, Cpl. Jim Zettler, arrived in Baker this past Friday from his previous posting in British Columbia to take over the detachment.

Baker Lake MLA Glenn McLean said the community was shocked by the news of the charge against Richer.

He added, however, "that the corporal is innocent until proven guilty and that's all I can say in regards to the situation."