A veteran Chatham-Kent police supervisor received a salary and taxable benefits totalling $109,352.05 to stay home last year.

Sgt. Robert Mugridge is suspended – with pay – after being charged with numerous fraud offences in 2014.

Until the allegations before court are dealt with, there is nothing the Chatham-Kent Police Service can do but pay the officer, Chief Gary Conn told The Daily News.

"It’s very disheartening to have a member suspended for almost two years," he said.

"My hands are tied," he added, referring to provisions under the Police Service Act (PSA).

"The only time I can suspend without pay is once the subject officer has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment," Conn said.

After an internal investigation in May 2014, the probe was handed over to the London Police Service at the request of then Chief Dennis Poole.

The investigation looked into the conduct of the 25-year member of the police service – specifically into how financial loans and other monies were obtained from financial institutions, members of the public and the police service.

By July 2014, Mugridge was facing 47 counts of fraud under $5,000, three counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of breach of public trust.

Those charges remain before the Superior Court in Chatham.

Conn said the sergeant is also charged with 52 offences under the PSA for discreditable conduct.

The latter charges will follow the outcome of the criminal court proceeding.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is vocal and active in wanting to amend the PSA sections surrounding suspension with or without pay, Conn said.

The provincial government has demonstrated a willingness to entertain changes to the act, which has not been revised over over 25 years.

Conn said the OACP wants amendments allowing chiefs of police to suspend members without pay when charged with serious offences under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or the PSA for allegations not related to their performance on duty.

"Do I think such an amendment would expedite the process into bringing it to resolution? Yes, I do.

"We’re one of the only provinces that still has this suspension with pay," Conn said.

The amount collected by Mugridge in 2015 was $108,835.84 plus $516.21 in taxable benefits.

In 2014, when he was suspended with pay, his annual salary with taxable benefits was $109,879.88.

vgough@postmedia.com