Former Calgary 911 Operator Avoids Criminal Trial With FOIP Plea, Faces $30,000 Fine

By Justin Heath

In a striking legal pivot, former Calgary 911 operator Marian Buonincontri, 58 at the time, saw criminal charges dropped this week after pleading guilty to offences under Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. Instead of facing trial for breach of trust, fraudulent use of a computer system, and mischief, Buonincontri accepted fines totaling $30,000.

From Criminal Accusations To FOIP Resolution

Buonincontri, who began her role with Calgary emergency services in May 2013, was arrested in January 2024 following allegations she accessed and disclosed sensitive police information between March 2022 and January 2023. Prosecutors initially charged her with serious criminal offences, claiming she misused her system access for undisclosed ends.

However, court documents indicate she avoided formal admission to any misconduct involving organized crime or personal gain. Instead, she conceded guilt on three counts of FOIP violations—effectively acknowledging improper access and disclosure of protected information.

Details Of The Offences

The offences allegedly involved Buonincontri using her work-issued computer to photograph police data on sensitive cases and individuals. Though the prosecution initially suggested she passed information to criminal figures, her plea did not include any admission of intent to profit or endanger public safety.

In her plea hearing, Buonincontri admitted that she violated the privacy of individuals by taking and disclosing protected information without authority.

Legal Outcome And Sentencing

Justice Karen Molle presided over the case. Upon her guilty plea to FOIP offences, the court dismissed the criminal charges, allowing Buonincontri to avoid a potentially lengthy criminal trial.

Buonincontri was fined a total of $30,000—$10,000 per count—aligning with penalties deemed proportional to her FOIP violations. Her professional status within Calgary 911 is now officially in question, though no further criminal or administrative sanctions have yet been announced.

Implications For Privacy And Policing

The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities within police and emergency service data systems. Privacy advocates say this outcome shows the challenges of protecting sensitive information, particularly when insiders misuse their elevated access.

A former Calgary Police Service official commented off the record: “It’s a reminder that technical access isn’t enough—we need strict oversight and logging to stop misuse before it happens.”

Civil liberties groups praised the conviction but called for more transparency. “She broke privacy laws—good that she was held accountable,” said one representative, “but why weren’t stronger protections in place to begin with?”

Next Steps And Broader Context

Buonincontri has paid her fine and the court file is now closed. She retains the option to apply for a record suspension after five years, though her eligibility remains uncertain.

Although the case concluded quietly, the implications resonate. Any organization managing personal or sensitive data—especially public safety institutions—must reassess data safeguards, internal audits, and staff accountability.

Buonincontri’s plea may close one legal chapter, but it reopens critical conversations around data integrity, privacy law enforcement, and internal security within public-service systems.

Justin Heath

Justin Heath is a  freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach him at justin.heath@veritasexpositae.com