Charges laid against former Correctional Officer after Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section investigation

Chilliwack

2024-08-28 15:51 PDT

File # 2023-35034

On August 28, 2024, Jason Lee, a former correctional officer, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Obstruction of justice as part of a criminal organization – sec. 467.12() of the Criminal Code
• Conspiracy to obstruct justice – sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code
• Conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance – sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code
• Obstruction of Justice – sec. 139(2) of the Criminal Code
• Accepting a bribe as a peace officer – Sec. 120(a) of the Criminal Code
• Breach of trust by a public officer – Sec. 122 of the Criminal Code
• Trafficking in a controlled substance as part of a criminal organization – Sec. 467.12(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Conspiracy to commit the indicatable offence of bribery – Sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code

Jason Lee has been released on strict bail conditions while the court process continues.

This arrest is the result of a close collaboration between the Chilliwack RCMP – Drug Section and the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) following the discovery of evidence consistent with a Correctional Officer smuggling contraband, including drugs, weapons, and cellular phones, to inmates within an institution in the Fraser Valley. On September 21, 2023, Search Warrants were executed at several locations in Chilliwack resulting in the seizure of Canadian Currency, illicit substances, and illegal contraband which supported the police investigation.

As a result of this investigation three co-accused, Mark Majcher, Lucas Thiessen, and Jeffrey Tkatchuk are facing the following charges:

• Obstruction of justice as part of a criminal organization – sec. 467.12() of the Criminal Code
• Conspiracy to obstruct justice – sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code
• Conspiracy to bribe a peace officer – sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code
• Conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance – sec. 465(1) of the Criminal Code
• Obstruction of Justice – sec. 139(2) of the Criminal Code

Jeffrey Tkatchuk is also facing a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

This was a complex investigation that the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section was able to advance through meticulous police work. We take this type of criminal activity seriously not only to protect our communities but also to ensure public trust in law enforcement. Throughout the investigative process, Canada Correctional Services was an integral partner in ensuring a comprehensive and quality investigation was completed. Says Cpl. Carmen Kiener of the Chilliwack RCMP.