The review into the conduct of Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis has been escalated to a criminal investigation, according to a letter from the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) provided to The Sarnia Journal and verified by LECA.
How the matter reached LECA
Local writer and publisher Nathan Colquhoun filed a complaint with LECA on April 13. Colquhoun had published a series of columns and articles beginning in May 2025 and posted a roughly 35‑minute video critical of Davis’ financial ties to Norigen/Norin Management Consulting Inc and the hiring of Davis’ business partner, Joseph Glover, as manager of analytics with the Sarnia Police Service. Colquhoun’s coverage said the service began developing in‑house analytical software after Davis joined the force in 2022.
Legal action and suspension
Following Colquhoun’s reporting and the video posted to his personal social media channel, Davis launched a $1.5‑million defamation lawsuit against Colquhoun and The Sarnia Journal on March 30. At the time, the Police Services Board indicated it would cover the legal costs of that action.
On May 18, the Police Services Board announced Davis was suspended pending a workplace harassment investigation. The chair of the board, Kelly Ash, told reporters in June that the probe stemmed from multiple complaints from members of the service and that a meeting with board members and representatives of the Police Association assisted in launching the review.
“It’s kind of one big complaint. How many different people have come forward. I can’t tell you, I don’t know yet, but there’s, multiple, but this most recent one is a result of information that has come forward during this investigation.”
On May 27, the Police Services Board said it would not fund Davis’ defamation lawsuit. Two days later, Davis dropped the lawsuit.
LECA review becomes criminal matter
LECA Senior Manager of Investigations Libero Papagni wrote to Colquhoun on June 17 saying the agency had retained his complaint for investigation. In a subsequent letter, dated July 28, LECA informed Colquhoun that the matter had been placed on hold because the agency determined it had become a criminal matter. LECA has confirmed the authenticity of the correspondence.
The publicly available information does not specify what criminal offence or offences are under investigation, nor does it disclose whether charges have been laid. LECA operates independently to address public complaints about police conduct and will typically refer matters to police or Crown counsel if criminal conduct is suspected.
Local implications and unanswered questions
The sequence of events—public criticism, a high‑profile civil lawsuit, an internal workplace harassment inquiry and now a criminal investigation—raises questions for Sarnia residents about oversight, conflicts of interest and the transparency of investigations into senior police officials.
- Who is leading any criminal inquiry and whether charges will follow remains unannounced.
- How many workplace harassment complaints were submitted to the board has not been confirmed; the board has said multiple members came forward.
- What safeguards the Police Services Board will use to maintain public confidence in the service during the investigation is unclear.
The Police Services Board and the Sarnia Police Service have not released a detailed public timeline beyond statements issued earlier in the spring. LECA has confirmed the letters and the status update but has not provided further public details on the nature of the criminal matters referenced in the July correspondence.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 13 | Complaint filed with LECA by Nathan Colquhoun |
| May (beginning) | Colquhoun publishes columns and a 35‑minute video critical of the chief |
| March 30 | Defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Davis against Colquhoun and The Sarnia Journal |
| May 18 | Davis suspended pending workplace harassment investigation |
| May 27–29 | Board declines to fund lawsuit; Davis drops the suit |
| June 17 | LECA retains Colquhoun’s complaint for investigation |
| July 28 | LECA notifies complainant the matter is now a criminal matter |
Residents and community leaders in Sarnia will likely seek further information as the formal criminal process proceeds. LECA, the Police Services Board and the Sarnia Police Service are the key agencies positioned to provide updates when appropriate and in keeping with legal restraints on active investigations.
As the situation develops, the balance between confidential investigative steps and the public’s right to know will remain a central consideration for local officials and citizens concerned about accountability in policing.
