It was September 26th 2008 and Stacey Bonds was walking home from an after-hours party on Rideau Street. She was stopped by police officers whom asked for her name, after they had found nothing on their computer they told her to continue walking home. She turned around and asked them why they had stopped her in the first place because she was not disturbing anyone. Afterwards things took a rapid turn, Const. John Flores showed Ms. Bonds the back of the crusier, the video tapes show her being co-operative all the way down to the police station. During initial part of the police search someone had a hand inside Ms. Bonds’ pants, down around her upper leg or hip area. We can see the formation of a fist or hand inside her tight white pants on the videotape and it is at that point that Sgt. Desjourdy says that he saw Ms. Bonds mule-kick Special Constable Morris. Ms. Bonds was forced to the ground with a riot shield, and then subjected to a strip search, with the male officer cutting off her top and bra. Ms. Bonds was strip searched by three police officers only to be left partially clad in soiled pants in a jail cell for three hours the only motive being vengeance.
It’s not the first time Sgt. Desjourdy (the male officer who cut off Ms. Bonds top and bra) has been under investigation. Days before this 2008 case, he kicked and Tasered a female prisoner in the cell block twice. In 2009, he pleaded guilty under the Police Act and was demoted for three months from sergeant to constable. Only demoted.
"It’s an appalling example of abuse of power and misconduct on the part of the police. It’s a complete disregard for her dignity. It’s shocking,” Webber, the prosecuting lawyer, said.
Ms. Bonds is considering to launch a lawsuit against Ottawa Police. Justice must be served, the public must know.
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