An investigation by London police has led to 50 fraud charges against a Chatham-Kent police sergeant.

Chatham-Kent police Insp. Ed Reed with the operational support branch says Sgt. Robert Mugridge became the focus of an investigation in July 2014 at the request of police Chief Dennis Poole.

“It's important too that we're open and frank with our investigations,” says Reed. “Any of these allegations we take serious and they're investigated to the fullest and people have to have to trust that we're going to do that."

As a result of the investigation, Mugridge was charged with 47 counts of fraud under $5,000 and three counts of fraud over $5,000.

Mugridge is scheduled to appear in court next month.

Chatham-Kent councillor and police services board member Bryon Fluker says he and other board members want to see a speedy court proceeding.

"I think one of the things that bothers most, not just police service board members, but rate payers in general is how long do these kinds of investigations of behaviours of police officers take,” says Fluker.

Mugridge has been suspended with pay since May 20, 2014. He will remain suspended from duty and he will face additional charges under the Police Services Act as the case proceeds through the courts, say Chatham-Kent police.