Jeff Bell (Times Colonist) – A Victoria-based RCMP officer is due in court Aug. 1 to face two counts of fraud under $5,000, both related to alleged improper use of federal government credit cards while on-duty.

The accused is Cpl. Tony Spink, who is part of a special-investigations unit. He has been suspended with pay, but was served last week with a notice of the RCMP’s intent to recommend that his pay and allowances be stopped.

As well, an internal RCMP code of conduct investigation has begun.

In a statement for E Division, the RCMP’s B.C. branch, Insp. Blair Staples said he took swift action in the case.

“I immediately ordered an internal audit into this when it was determined that questionable expenses had been charged to [Spink’s] credit card. I am extremely disappointed in the alleged actions of Cpl. Spink.”

The RCMP said it would issue no further information because of the ongoing legal process.

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