Stephen Thomson (Straight.com) – A special prosecutor has been appointed to review the case of two RCMP officers who face trial on assault charges.
Robert Bruneau, a senior Kamloops lawyer, has discretion to independently decide whether or not prosecution should continue in the case.
The Criminal Justice Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General announced Bruneau’s appointment today (July 21).
The case involves RCMP constables Kiel Samotej and Chris MacDonald.
In August 2009, the two Mounties were allegedly involved in a brawl outside a Kelowna nightclub with a group decked in Hells Angels and Throttle Lockers “colors”.
Samotej and MacDonald were off duty at the time, police said.
Samotej is related by family to Robert Gillen, assistant deputy attorney general for the Criminal Justice Branch.
Gillen has responsibility for appointing special prosecutors under provincial legislation.
“Mr. Gillen has concluded that although Mr. Samotej is not a member of his immediate family, in the circumstances it is appropriate that a special prosecutor take conduct of the case,” the Criminal Justice Branch says in a news release.
According to the branch, special prosecutors are appointed when there is “significant potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of criminal justice”.
Samotej is in his mid 20s and from Alberta, while MacDonald is in his 40s and from Prince Edward Island. The trial is set for July 2011 in Kelowna.
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