A veteran Ottawa police officer who "followed his own rules" was found guilty Thursday of internal charges related to escorts, improper use of police records and using his position as a cop for personal gain.

Sgt. Rohan Beebakhee is guilty of multiple counts of insubordination, corrupt practice and deceit under the Police Services Act.

Once described in a performance review as a "leader amongst his peers," Beebakhee met with escorts while he was in uniform, showing up in a cruiser. He used a fake name and his own cellphone to book dates. Juniour officers sometimes joined him.

Beebakhee testified he was just trying to help, wanting to make sure the women knew they could turn to police if they needed to. But while some escorts thought he was there for a safety talk, others felt he showed up "to scope out escorts and see what would develop."

He disobeyed a direct police order to stop any contact with escorts as well a man from Pink Kitty, an escort service.

"Sgt. Beebakhee simply followed his own rules in his dealings with sex trade workers, and those that run such establishments," said hearing officer Terence Kelly. "He became enmeshed in his own pursuit of these matters for reasons only know to him; to such an extent he completely disregarded his clear obligations of his oath of office."

In other incidents, Beebakhee improperly used police databases and records systems, looking up escorts, personal friends, family and officers, past and present. He checked licence plates of a probation officer, Crown attorney and others, with "no thought to the confidentiality and consequences," heard the tribunal.

He "deliberately circumvented" police policies when it came to accessing privatized reports for his own advantage, the decision states, even calling an officer at home to try to get more information. He sent another privatized file to an outside police agency, despite being "fully aware" that unauthorized access could jeopardize investigations or affect the safety of the people in them.

He also entered misleading statements on the system.

And more than a dozen times, he accessed phone subscriber information, none of which involved any actual police investigation.

The incidents took place in 2011 and 2012.

Charges of corrupt practice are rare.

"This is an unprecedented case of deceit," said Ottawa police Insp. Chris Rheaume, with the Professional Standards Section.

Ottawa Police Association Matt Skof said the findings are "obviously something we're concerned about."

"He's quite upset about it," said Skof of Beebakhee. "Understandably, he's looking at this as a serious thing."

The decision will be reviewed before deciding on the possibility of an appeal, said Skof.

Penalties under the PSA range up to dismissal.

Beebakhee remains suspended with pay.

Submissions for sentencing continue in February.

Danielle.bell@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @ottawasundbell