JASON Lee, a former correctional officer, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with:
- Obstruction of justice as part of a criminal organization
- Conspiracy to obstruct justice
- Conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance
- Obstruction of justice
- Accepting a bribe as a peace officer
- Breach of trust by a public officer
- Trafficking in a controlled substance as part of a criminal organization
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of bribery
Lee has been released on strict bail conditions while the court process continues.
The RCMP said that this arrest is the result of a close collaboration between the Chilliwack RCMP – Drug Section and the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) following the discovery of evidence consistent with a correctional officer smuggling contraband, including drugs, weapons, and cellular phones, to inmates within an institution in the Fraser Valley.
On September 21, 2023, search warrants were executed at several locations in Chilliwack, resulting in the seizure of Canadian currency, illicit substances, and contraband, which supported the police investigation.
As a result of this investigation three co-accused, Mark Majcher, Lucas Thiessen and Jeffrey Tkatchuk are facing the following charges:
- Obstruction of justice as part of a criminal organization
- Conspiracy to obstruct justice
- Conspiracy to bribe a peace officer
- Conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance
- Obstruction of justice
Tkatchuk is also facing a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
“This was a complex investigation that the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section was able to advance through meticulous police work. We take this type of criminal activity seriously not only to protect our communities, but also to ensure public trust in law enforcement. Throughout the investigative process, Canada Correctional Services was an integral partner in ensuring a comprehensive and quality investigation was completed,” said Cpl. Carmen Kiener of the Chilliwack RCMP.
