RCMP Watch

Nicki Thomas (Sun Media) - Fort McMurray RCMP officer is on desk duty after finding himself in hot water.

Const. Brian Vaughn, 29, is facing charges that include possession of stolen property, unsafe storage of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

A complaint alleging Vaughn was improperly storing a firearm was made last December, said RCMP spokesman Cpl. Wayne Oakes.

Oakes could not say who made the complaint but said the firearm in question was not Vaughn’s service pistol.

An investigation into the initial complaint resulted in the additional charges.

Vaughn, who has been posted to the northern Alberta detachment since October 2005, has been assigned to administrative duties since charges were laid.

It’s likely that a code of conduct investigation into Vaughn’s actions will be performed when the detachment commander, who is currently away on duty, returns next week, said Oakes.

The code of conduct investigation, if grounds are found, could see punishment from counselling through to a dismissal from the RCMP.

The commander will also decide whether Vaughn will remain on desk duty or be suspended with or without pay while awaiting trial.

Vaughn is expected to appear in Fort McMurray provincial court when a court date is set.