Lethbridge News Now File Photo

By Chris Brown

MHPS officer found not guilty of sexual assault

Mar 18, 2022 | 3:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Medicine Hat police officer has been found not guilty of sexual assault following an off-duty incident 18 months ago.

Chance Franklin was a 12-year veteran of the Medicine Hat Police Service when he was charged in October 2020, stemming from an incident at a licensed establishment in the city on Oct. 11.

During a two-day trial earlier this month, Franklin called the incident – in which he attempted to place a joint into a waitress’s front pocket – a quote harmless prank.

Franklin testified he immediately regretted the action and the embarrassment it has caused.

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The verdict was delivered in Lethbridge court today.

When the complaint was made Franklin was immediately placed on administrative duties while the investigation was conducted and was suspended without pay shortly afterward.

With the criminal trial completed, Franklin now faces an investigation under the Police Act.