Susan Clairmont: Hamilton police constable accused of drug use faces five disciplinary charges
A Hamilton police constable accused of years of drug use, associating with drug dealers and possibly supplying drugs is facing five disciplinary charges under the Police Services Act.
The first count of discreditable conduct laid against Const. Alfonso Esquivel alleges that - between June 6, 2018, and March 1, 2021 - he caused discredit to the Hamilton Police Service by your acquisition, possession, personal use of illegal drugs and/or your supply of or facilitated purchase of these drugs to other individuals."
The notice of hearing which outlines the charges does not say what sort of drugs are involved.
In a brief first appearance by Zoom on Tuesday morning, Esquivel participated online from the offices of the Hamilton Police Association. Dressed in a suit and tie, he had his charges formally put before hearing officer Greg Walton, who was the lead adjudicator for the OPP before retiring with the rank of superintendent.
A second count of discreditable conduct alleges that - between December 2015 and April 2016 - Esquivel failed to disclose your illegal drug use in your recruitment process for the position of police constable with the Hamilton Police Service."
Esquivel is also charged with two counts of deceit. In one instance, it is alleged that on Oct. 17, 2017, he knowingly made or signed a false statement" in an incident report, which is a statement by a victim of crime.
In the second count, it is alleged that on June 1, 2021, and July 16, 2021, he made a false, misleading or inaccurate statement" related to his mandatory interview with police professional standards investigators regarding his knowledge of an association to various drug dealers."
The final charge is for insubordination. It is alleged that on Oct. 5, 2017, April 27, 2018, and Jan. 17, 2020, he neglected to carry out the service policy regarding the completion of accurate and complete notes."
As is the law in Ontario, Esquivel, is suspended with pay, according to Hamilton police. He has been with the service for six years and was suspended on June 8, 2021.
The hearing was told by prosecutor Lynda Bordeleau that disclosure to Esquivel and his lawyer is continuing. The next appearance will take place virtually at the end of May.
According to the provincial Sunshine List, Esquivel earned $128,781 in 2020.
He was suspended halfway through 2021 and earned $112,524.
Susan Clairmont is a justice columnist at The Spectator. sclairmont@thespec.com