An independent investigation has found no grounds to criminally charge Durham Regional Police officers involved in the January 2026 arrest of a lawyer at the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa, Ontario. Results from the York Regional Police probe were made public on July 29, 2026, clearing the officers of potential criminal charges in a case that sparked widespread concern among legal and civil liberties groups.
The investigation focused on the January 23, 2026 arrest of Ms. Sudine Riley, a Black criminal defence lawyer. Ms. Riley alleges that while she was working in an interview room following a trial, officers slammed her head on a desk, placed knees on her back and neck, ripped off her headscarf, raised her skirt, handcuffed her, and dragged her to basement cells. She says she was left bleeding and swollen. She was charged under the Trespass to Property Act during the incident.
After completing its investigation, York Regional Police found “no reasonable grounds” in the evidence to support criminal charges against any officer. The matter has now been referred to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, an arm’s-length civilian body, to independently assess whether any police misconduct occurred under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act.
Reaction to the decision was swift. Ms. Riley’s lawyer, Atrisha Lewis, said she is disappointed and that Ms. Riley remains “committed to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure accountability.” The Criminal Lawyers’ Association also expressed disappointment and said it is interested in more transparency around why charges were not laid. President Adam Weisberg said, “We continue to pay close attention to this matter and look forward to the outcome of the LECA investigation.”
The officers involved were reassigned to duties that do not include courthouse security soon after the incident. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit did not invoke its mandate because the case did not meet its criteria of death, serious injury, sexual assault, or firearm discharge.
