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windsor police chaplain criminally charged over alleged bribery
a volunteer chaplain for the windsor police service has...
jul 25 2024
1 minute read
hassan rkie was introduced as the newest — and first-ever muslim — chaplain for the windsor police service at downtown headquarters on december 20, 2023.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
a volunteer chaplain for the windsor police service has been criminally charged with bribery in connection to another man’s judicial proceeding.
hassan rkie, 47, was arrested in june and information was sworn against him in court earlier this month. his next ontario court of justice appearance is friday (july 26).
it’s alleged in court documents obtained by the star that rkie “did intentionally attempt to dissuade a person … by bribes from giving evidence in a judicial proceeding.”
the alleged bribery was committed in early february — less than two months after rkie was introduced in december as the windsor police service’s first-ever muslim chaplain, described at the time as a “historic” appointment.
“the most important thing is i can help,” rkie told reporters at his introduction. “because i have cousins, i have friends on the force, i know how much they go through.
“if i can offer my service by being here for them, they can talk to me, i can help them out, coach them, guide them.
at that same announcement, wps chief jason bellaire said windsor police representatives had been talking to leaders of the local islamic community for some time about bringing in faith-based supports.
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“it’s overdue,” bellaire said. “i think it’s a reflection of our population and the workforce that we have here at windsor police.”
rkie joined a diverse group of volunteers offering spiritual and emotional guidance to the department’s employees and their families.
he was also described as a volunteer at the windsor islamic association, working with youth and officiating weddings, as well as serving as a university of windsor chaplain since september 2022. the toronto native came to windsor in 2000 to study computer science at the university.
rkie could not be reached for comment thursday.
a spokesman for the windsor police told the star that rkie, who was never an employee of the department, is no longer a chaplain for the service.
“we’re no longer connected to him,” said gary francoeur, director of corporate communications.
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