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Regional OPP Commander issues statement following charges against two OPP officers

September 10, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Two OPP officers from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment have been charged following an investigation by the SIU earlier in August.

The detachment covers Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny, Tay, and Georgian Bay Townships.

Sgt. Blake Hamilton and Const. Zahid Javed have both been suspended with pay after Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit laid charges. They were charged in separate SIU investigations.

Javed is facing three counts of sexual assault and three counts of breach of trust following an SIU investigation involving allegations from three women. The alleged offences occurred between August 2024 and October 2025.

Hamilton is facing two counts of sexual assault and two counts of breach of trust relating to alleged offences involving a woman in Tay Township in December 2025.

The arrests caused considerable concern among residents who live in the region.

Acting Chief Supt. Coyer Yateman, commander of the OPP Central Region, stated on Aug. 27, addressing the charges and the potential impact on affected communities.

“The OPP acknowledges the significance of the recent charges laid against members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment,” the statement says. “We recognize the seriousness of these reports and understand the impact they may have. Accountability, professionalism and integrity are fundamental to maintaining public confidence. The OPP remains committed to these principles. Police officers are necessarily held to a higher standard due to the authorities granted to them. When concerns are raised about the conduct of our employees, they are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. No member of our organization is above the law.”

The statement goes on to say, “As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of those who came forward, the OPP is unable to discuss specific details or evidence related to the case. We will continue to respect the independence of both the judicial process and the Special Investigations Unit’s mandate.”

The charges against Hamilton and Javed have not been proven in court.

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