THUNDER BAY – A senior officer with the Thunder Bay Police Service is facing criminal charges after an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police.
The OPP laid charges of obstruction of justice, two counts of assault, and breach of trust by a public officer against Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini on Wednesday, the force confirmed in a release.
The charges followed a years-long investigation launched in late 2021, after Ontario’s Attorney General requested the OPP investigate allegations of misconduct by members of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
The investigation focused on incidents that took place in August 2014, October 2016, and November 2020, the OPP said.
The force added its investigation is ongoing.
The Thunder Bay Police Service appeared to suspend Dimini in October, according to internal communications reviewed by TBnewswatch, but never publicly confirmed his suspension.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the TBPS said Dimini is now on leave per the Police Services Act.
“While the charges announced today are deeply concerning, the matter is now before the courts,” the force wrote in an unattributed statement.
“Since the investigation was first announced by the OPP, the Thunder Bay Police Service has fully cooperated with investigators. For us to move forward as an organization, any allegations of misconduct must be thoroughly investigated, and we strongly support these efforts.”
The statement called “maintaining public confidence and transforming the culture within the service” its top priority, after years of scandal.
Dimini had been named as a respondent in several human rights complaints filed on behalf of TBPS staff.
He was also at the centre of internal disputes over the police force’s promotions procedures.
Dimini was released from custody after being charged Wednesday, and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay in January.
Note: This story has been updated with comment received from the Thunder Bay Police Service after publication.
