A police commission investigation into a former member of the London Police Services Board has been temporarily put on hold while he faces criminal charges on a separate matter in court.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission announced on Thursday that it has suspended its investigation into the conduct of police board member and former Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) principal Michael Deeb. The investigation began last December after Najwa Zebian, a local poet and teacher with the TVDSB, accused Deeb of harassment and abuse of power.
The allegations against the 49-year-old longtime member of the civilian police board surfaced on Facebook in December where Zebian alleged Deeb abused his powerful position when she was launching her teaching career, pursued a personal relationship with her, and borrowed money from her. The timeline of the alleged harassment is unclear but appears to date back to 2013.
While he has denied the allegations, Deeb was forced to step down as vice-chair of the London Police Services Board in December as a result of the police commision investigation.
Deeb remained a board member until April, when he resigned entirely from the civilian body after being charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a female student during the 2000-2001 school year.
A publication ban has been placed on the name of Deeb’s accuser and any information that could identify her.
The criminal case against Deeb is scheduled to return to court on May 28.
-With files from Miranda Chant
