A Saint John police constable whose actions led to a mistrial in the Dennis Oland case has been promoted.
Sean Rocca became a staff sergeant last week, according to a tweet from the Saint John Police Association.
The promotion comes less than two months after the 16-year veteran of the force found himself at the centre of a controversy.
In November, Oland’s defence lawyers argued Rocca, who was sitting with the Crown during jury selection, was screening potential jurors using the force’s internal database; the system tracks any contact a person may have had with the police force.
Defence lawyers said none of the information discovered by the officer was disclosed to them and the appearance of fairness had been compromised.
Three New Staff Sergeants promoted by @saintjohnpolice this week Mike Young, Sean Rocca and Sarah Hobbs. Congratulations on the promotion! pic.twitter.com/Hz1dl8o5H3
— SJ Police Assoc (@sjpoliceassoc) January 11, 2019
In a written decision, Morrison said the Supreme Court of Canada has “in no uncertain terms … condemned the practice of using police databases” to determine juror eligibility outside legitimate criminal record checks.
He said although there was no evidence the information was given to the Crown, the jury selection process hadbeen “irreparably” tainted, and he declared a mistrial.
The trial is now being heard by judge alone and is expected to continue for the next several months.
The New Brunswick Police Commission plans to investigate Rocca’s actions once the Oland trial is complete.
Rocca was honoured by the Saint John Police Commission just over a year ago for his work in a unique investigation.
He was part of the team looking into the disappearance of 17-year-old Gavin Adams in December of 2013.
When it was determined Gavin had died, Rocca began an investigation after learning he took a designer drug.
Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
Photo of Const. Sean Rocca, who is now a staff sergeant, dated Sept. 6, 2017. (Tamara Steele/Acadia News)
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