Ottawa Police Constable Charged with Sexual Offenses Involving Minors

Constable Charlene Abella of Ottawa Police Service posing for OPS Instagram post celebrating Asian heritage month in 2022.

By Justin Heath

An Ottawa Police Service (OPS) officer, Const. Charlene Abella, faces serious charges following an investigation by Peel Regional Police. Abella has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference, and one count of sexual exploitation, with allegations involving minors.

The charges stem from an investigation that was transferred to Peel Regional Police to ensure impartiality, given Abella’s position within the OPS. Authorities have not released specific details about the incidents or the victims to protect their privacy, but the nature of the charges suggests serious misconduct. Abella appeared in court on Friday afternoon for a show cause hearing.

The Ottawa Police Service has suspended Abella with pay, as mandated by the Community Safety and Policing Act. In a statement, the OPS said it is “closely monitoring” the case and is prepared to move to an unpaid suspension if legal conditions are met. The force emphasized its commitment to accountability, stating, “We take these allegations very seriously and are fully cooperating with the investigation.”

Abella, who joined the OPS after studying policing at Mohawk College and playing basketball at Carleton University, was previously featured in a 2022 social media post celebrating Asian Heritage Month and women in policing. She described herself as the first in her family to pursue a career in law enforcement, having grown up in Hamilton, Ontario.

The charges have sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about trust in law enforcement. The OPS has encouraged anyone with information related to the case to contact Peel Regional Police or the Ottawa Police Service.

This is a developing story, and further details may emerge as the legal process unfolds. For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining public confidence in the police service.

Justin Heath

Justin Heath is a  freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

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