And today via Zoom, ASP Stacy Smith explained why the charges could have been brought back against her. While she didn't have the exact details, she spoke in general terms about the process.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Whenever charges are withdrawn or dismissed and they did not go the length of the trial, there exists a possibility for it to be reinstated. I believe with the matter concerning Ms. McDonald it is that the virtual complainant former Commissioner, or that is the allegation, did not appear at court on the day of the hearing and the decision was made to dismiss the matter. He is an aggrieved person and he would have made a report with the hope that the matter was ventilated in court and having justice take its course, whatever that is. And so reinstating charges that did not go the full length isn't something new; it is not something unlawful. I would have indicated on the last occasion in relation to PC Garbutt when the matter was withdrawn, on that occasion, given that it did not go the trial length, I did not fear that charges would not have been reinstituted and I anticipate that to be done in due course as has happened in this other case. So the long and short of it is when matters are dismissed or withdrawn there is an opportunity to reintroduce it provided that it is an abuse of process."
However, when we reached out to Chester Williams, he said that while he was surprised the charges were reinstated. He said he had no knowledge or involvement in it and has had no contact with the department since they ere dropped in 2025.