ManitobaWinnipeg police have rearrested a senior member of the force in connection with a slew of new allegations, including trafficking illegal drugs and taking and distributing a photo of a deceased woman.Winnipeg police chief pushing for new oversight measures, code of conductCBC News · Posted: Aug 07, 2025 11:40 AM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoA long-serving Winnipeg police officer is facing many new allegations after a 16-month investigation into his conduct, police officials say. (Tyson Koschik/CBC)Winnipeg police have rearrested a senior member of the force in connection with a slew of new allegations, including trafficking illegal drugs and taking and distributing a photo of a deceased woman.Const. Elston Bostock, a 22-year member of the force, was previously charged in November along with two other officers. Police continued their probe and obtained a warrant to search Bostock’s phone and house. New evidence was obtained leading to a range of new criminal charges being laid against Bostock on Wednesday, police said Thursday. “These are very serious allegations which go directly against the values of the Winnipeg police service, tarnishing our reputation and eroding the public’s confidence within our service,” Winnipeg police Chief Gene Bowers told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.About 84 illicit drug transactions allegedThe charges stem from Bostock’s alleged actions while both on and off-duty over a period of time stretching back to 2016 that was reviewed over a 16-month-long investigation triggered after other members of the force reported concerns regarding breach of trust in early 2024, police said. Deputy Chief Cam Mackid said the investigation after Bostock’s initial arrest uncovered five new incidents leading to several new charges. Investigators believe Bostock conducted about 84 illicit drug transactions between January 2016 and Nov. 6, 2024, according to Mackid. The drugs included cocaine, Oxycodone and amphetamine, police said. Cocaine and psilocybin were seized at his locker at the East District station, police said. Bostock is also suspected of interfering with the course of justice by attempting to get traffic tickets voided between Feb. 17, 2016 and Aug. 23, 2024. They allege he also accessed confidential police information on Nov. 2 last year and gave it to unauthorized people. He faces charges for allegedly stealing ammunition and giving it to a friend after attending several firearm training days between Sept. 27, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2024.Bostock has also been charged with causing indignity to human remains after he went to a home on Osborne Street for a sudden death on May 21, 2021. Police allege the officer used his cellphone to take an intimate photo of a deceased female who was partially clothed and later distributed the image to another officer.Another officer, Const. Vernon Strutinsky, a 15-year member of the force, was also arrested on Wednesday, police said. He’s accused of breaking and entering to commit extortion and breach of trust while partnered with Bostock, police said. The officers went to the 300 block of Mountain Avenue on March 16, 2023, in a marked cruiser and in uniform. They went inside the home and evicted the residents in the unit without authorization, police said.”This is not a proud moment for our service,” Mackid said. Bostock was held in custody upon his arrest Wednesday. Meanwhile, Strutinsky has been released on an undertaking — both officers remain removed from duty. Chief pitches province on publication of disciplinary actions”These allegations are clearly not representative of the actions of our dedicated members,” Bowers said. “We take this extremely seriously.” Bowers said the police service is taking action to ensure accountability within the service, including adding three investigators to the professional standards unit to ensure allegations are investigated.Bowers has also sent a letter to Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe asking for Manitoba’s Police Services Act to establish a uniform code of conduct for officers. He has also asked Wiebe for the PSA to require the publication of disciplinary actions against officers who commit misconduct.
Senior Winnipeg police officer accused of drug trafficking, taking intimate picture of deceased woman
