Independent criminal probe clears Durham cops accused of mistreating lawyer

York cops find no evidence of wrongdoing despite claim lawyer was roughed up, tossed in cell without provocation

Published Jul 29, 2026  •  3 minute read

A Durham Regional Police vehicle. Photo by Veronica Henri / Files /Toronto Sun

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An independent investigation into a lawyer’s allegations that she was accused of trespassing, roughed up and tossed in a jail cell by cops doing security at the Oshawa courthouse earlier this year has found no evidence to support criminal charges.

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Durham Regional Police said they received the results of the investigation conducted by York Regional Police into the incident that unfolded at the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa on Jan. 23.

“On Jan. 23, DRPS arrested and charged Ms. Sudine Riley under the Trespass to Property Act,” police said in a statement released Wednesday. “Following the arrest, Ms. Riley alleged criminal wrongdoing by the officers involved.”

“After completing its investigation, YRP concluded that there were no reasonable grounds in the evidence to support criminal charges against any of the officers involved.”

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Details of the allegations

In the wake of the incident, a lawyer representing Riley issued a statement to CBC, alleging Riley had finished working on a trial at the courthouse and was catching up on legal work in an interview room — reportedly about 10 minutes after the courthouse had closed for the day.

Neha Chugh alleged at the time that officers assigned to do security “challenged” Riley’s presence in the room before slamming her head on a desk, kneeling on her back and neck and speaking to her with “rage, disrespect and contempt.”

The lawyer also claimed the officers forcibly dragged her client from the interview room in handcuffs to a cell in the basement of the courthouse.

“Her head scarf was ripped off, her skirt was raised when she was handled by officers and her head was bleeding and her eye swollen from being slammed into the desk,” Chugh alleged at the time. “She committed no offence other than being a Black woman practising law, being diligent about her commitment to the pursuit of justice.”

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Cops had vowed to investigate

The claims prompted the Canadian Civil Liberties Association to release a statement at the time expressing they were “shocked” by the allegations.

“Any incident involving the alleged use of force against counsel in a courthouse raises serious concerns about the rule of law and administration of justice,” the CCLA said in a statement. “Lawyers must be able to represent their clients and attend court without fear of intimidation or violence.

“The CCLA echoes the call of other legal and advocacy organizations for a swift and independent investigation into this incident, including expertise in anti-Black racism. These steps are necessary to ensure investigative impartiality and public confidence in the administration of justice.”

Durham police issued a statement at the time saying they were taking the allegations “extremely seriously” and explaining there would be an investigation into the arrest of Riley.

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They also said the officers involved had been reassigned to duties other than courthouse security, while pointing out they were “entitled to due process during this investigation, as required by law.”

Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira in Oshawa on Sept. 20, 2024. Photo by Jack Boland /Toronto Sun

Law Enforcement Complaints Agency also investigating

After determining Riley’s allegations went beyond misconduct and were “criminal in nature,” Durham police referred the matter to York police to investigate.

Durham police Chief Peter Moreira also notified the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.

“Pursuant to the Community Safety and Policing Act, the matter has now been referred to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA), which will independently assess whether any misconduct occurred,” Durham police said on Wednesday.

“DRPS remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public confidence in policing and court security. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

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