Conduct hearing underway for Mountie accused of sexual assault

A police officer is facing disciplinary measures for allegedly sexually assaulting another RCMP employee.

A quasi-judicial code of conduct hearing began this week for Cpl. Kire Kondoski, most recently a member of the major crimes unit in Edmonton.

A sexual assault charge was laid against the officer in January 2021 following an ASIRT investigation. The Crown prosecution service withdrew the charge in September that year.

An 2022, application to have the conduct hearing stayed by Kondoski was denied by the board adjudicator.

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the complainant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, provided her testimony before the conduct hearing held in Edmonton.

She says the two met in the spring of 2018 and soon became involved. Kondoski was married at the time.

The woman says she was uncomfortable with his marital status and felt the relationship was being kept a secret. One night that summer, Kondoski came over to her apartment and she ended the relationship.

The woman says Kondoski then sexually assaulted her.

"I was clearly saying no, I don't want to do this," she said.

The woman said she struggled to believe what had happened and was fearful she would not be believed over a police officer.

"The amount of victim-blaming that I laid on myself thanks to where I worked was and still is one of the most challenging things," the woman said.

"It's something I have to actively push out of my mind every day."

She eventually reported the incident in February 2020.

The woman said she has been profoundly impacted by the event and now struggles with anxiety and PTSD.

She is currently on medical leave.

A spokesperson for the RCMP says Kondoski has been suspended with pay since January 2021.

Cross-examination begins

Kondoski's lawyer questioned why the woman attended a social event he was present around a year after the alleged assault, saying she could have made an excuse not to go and suggesting that she had intended to rekindle her relationship with the corporal.

The woman said she was trying to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

She was also asked about a profile featuring her name and picture on a recruitment site for actors and models. Seeking work or remuneration would violate the conditions of her long-term disability.

The woman denied any knowledge of the profile or aspirations toward acting.

Lawyers later told the adjudicator the woman had put the profile on private during a break. A member from the professional responsibilities unit was called to collect a statement from the woman.

Cross-examination is expected to continue Thursday.