Who are the Toronto police officers accused of assisting organized crime? Here’s what we know so far

A major corruption probe by police in York Region on Thursday led to the arrest of seven active Toronto police officers and one retired officer, accused of assisting organized crime. 

At least one of those officers is in custody, one is released and CBC News is working to determine the status of the others.

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw says he’s seeking suspension without pay for at least four of the active members, and says his service will be bolstering its professional standards. 

Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Service has requested the province’s inspector general of policing to investigate issues like supervision and access to information systems within the police force

Here’s what we know so far about the officers facing criminal charges.

Const. Timothy Barnhardt 

Const. Timothy Barnhardt, 56, is facing the longest list of offences, and York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan called Barnhardt the “genesis” of the investigation. Police allege Barnhardt released confidential information to criminals, which helped facilitate targeted shootings. 

He’s also accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation, and additionally of being involved in cocaine trafficking. 

Barnhardt, of Mississauga, faces 17 charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit public mischief, and numerous drug trafficking charges. He appeared in a Toronto court Thursday.

He remains in custody, with his bail hearing adjourned until Friday. CBC News has reached out to his lawyer, but has not yet heard back. 

Const. Timothy Barnhardt is facing a long list of charges in connection with allegedly assisting organized crime. (Tim Barnhardt (@10rcop)/X)

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Barnhardt earned $131,241.80 as a Toronto police constable in 2024. According to his profile on X, formerly Twitter,he at one point worked as a neighbourhood community officer in Rockcliffe-Smythe. Court documents suggest Barnhardt has nearly 20 years’ experience with Toronto police. 

In 2016, Barnhardt pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct at a Toronto Police Service disciplinary hearing. It was related to an incident in 2015, when Barnhardt parked a marked police vehicle in a closed car lot.

When the owner of the lot arrived and asked him to leave, an argument ensued and Barnhardt “let his emotions get the best of him,” according to the hearing decision, and accused the man of running a red light, though video evidence later showed he had not. 

Sgt. Robert Black

Sgt. Robert Black, 42, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation. He’s also accused of being involved in cocaine trafficking. 

Black, of Vaughan, faces four charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and possession for the purpose of trafficking. 

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Black earned $153,569.68. After working as a constable, Black became a sergeant in 2022. 

Retired Const. John Madeley Sr. 

John Madeley Sr., 55,  is a retired police officer. York Regional Police announced charges against him last month, connected to an extortion investigation related to illegal gaming and betting tied to organized crime. He’s accused of unlawfully accessing and distributing confidential information. The offences are alleged to have occurred between August 2023 and January 2026. 

Madeley, of Barrie, faces 11 charges, including breach of trust by a public officer and possession of a prohibited weapon. He has been released from custody and is scheduled back in court Feb. 20.

His son, Const. John Madeley Jr., is also facing charges. 

Retired Toronto police Const. John Madeley is accused of accessing and distributing confidential information. His son, a current police officer, is also facing charges. (@officermadeley/X)

Madeley retired in April 2025 from the Toronto Police Service, but previously worked as a neighbourhood community officer in Rockcliffe-Smythe. In 2012, he was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. And in 2021 he received the Police Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, an award which recognizes exemplary service for at least 20 years. 

However during his years of service, he did face disciplinary issues.

In 2011, he pleaded guilty to two charges of discreditable conduct at a Toronto Police Service disciplinary hearing, related to an incident of alleged drinking and driving, and another to do with his handling of a child abuse investigation. The following year, he pleaded guilty to another charge of discreditable conduct, related to driving a police vehicle to bypass traffic when he was not responding to an emergency. 

Const. John Madeley Jr. 

Const. John Madeley Jr., 29, is the son of John Madeley Sr. He is accused of unlawfully accessing and distributing confidential information. 

Madeley, of Barrie, faces two charges: breach of trust by a police officer and unauthorized use of a computer. 

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Madeley earned $116,107.15 in 2024. 

WATCH | York Regional Police uncovered the purported conspiracy:

7 Toronto cops charged after probe uncovers murder plot, shootings, extortion

Toronto police say seven of their officers, along with one retired officer, have been arrested as part of an organized crime investigation, with charges ranging from conspiracy to commit murder to drug trafficking.

Sgt. Carl Grellette

Sgt. Carl Grellette, 49, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation.   

Grellette, of Vaughan, faces four charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and breach of trust by a public officer. 

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Grellette earned $163,479.09 in 2024. According to the salary disclosures, he became a sergeant in 2020, and then a detective in 2022. In 2024, he was back to working as a sergeant. 

Sgt. Saurabjit Bedi

Sgt. Saurabjit Bedi, 38, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes in exchange for protecting against police investigation. He’s also accused of being involved in cocaine trafficking. 

Bedi, of Caledon, faces six charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to traffic in substance. 

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine list, Bedi earned $162,036.07 in 2024. 

WATCH | Toronto mayor reacts to police officer arrests:

Officers found guilty of committing crimes ‘will be punished,’ Chow says

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw must earn back public trust by rooting out officers convicted of committing crimes and making ‘necessary systemic changes.’

Const. Derek McCormick

Const. Derek McCormick, 57, is accused of stealing property that was taken to police, instead of logging it. The alleged thefts include government-issued identification, bank cards and passports. 

Toronto police announced his arrest last month. 

McCormick, of Toronto, faces six charges, including obstruction of justice and multiple counts of theft under $5,000. 

According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, McCormick earned $148,027.19 in 2024. In 2019, McCormick received the Police Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, an award which recognizes exemplary service for at least 20 years. 

Const. Elias Mouawad

Const. Elias Mouawad, 24, is accused of releasing confidential information in support of illicit activities. 

Mouawad, of Mississauga, faces two charges: breach of trust by a public officer and unauthorized use of a computer. 

Mouawad did not appear on the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List.