A major corruption probe led by York Regional Police has resulted in the arrest of at least seven current Toronto police officers and one retired officer, accused of offenses including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder, and assisting organized crime. The investigation, dubbed “Project South,” has led to over 30 arrests in total, according to sources.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has indicated he is seeking suspension without pay for at least four of the active officers involved and stated the service will be strengthening its professional standards. The Toronto Police Service has also requested an investigation from the province’s inspector general of policing, focusing on issues of supervision and access to information systems within the force.
Constable Timothy Barnhardt: The ‘Genesis’ of the Investigation
Constable Timothy Barnhardt, 56, faces the most extensive list of charges. York Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan described Barnhardt as the “genesis” of the investigation. He is alleged to have released confidential information to criminals, facilitating targeted shootings, and to have accepted bribes to protect illegal cannabis dispensaries from police investigation. He is also accused of involvement in cocaine trafficking.
Barnhardt, of Mississauga, is charged with 17 offenses, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit public mischief, and multiple drug trafficking charges. He appeared in a Toronto court on , and remains in custody, with his bail hearing adjourned until .
According to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, Barnhardt earned $131,241.80 as a Toronto police constable in 2024. He previously worked as a neighbourhood community officer in Rockcliffe-Smythe. Court documents indicate he has nearly 20 years of experience with the Toronto Police Service.
Barnhardt previously faced disciplinary action in 2016, pleading guilty to one count of discreditable conduct related to an incident in 2015. He parked a marked police vehicle in a closed car lot and engaged in an argument with the owner, falsely accusing him of running a red light.
Other Officers Facing Charges
Sergeant Robert Black, 42, of Vaughan, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes and involvement in cocaine trafficking. He faces four charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Black earned $153,569.68 in 2024, according to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List, and became a sergeant in 2022.
Retired Constable John Madeley Sr., 55, of Barrie, was charged last month in connection with an extortion investigation related to illegal gaming and betting. He is accused of unlawfully accessing and distributing confidential information. He faces 11 charges, including breach of trust by a public officer and possession of a prohibited weapon, and has been released from custody with a court date of .
Madeley’s son, Constable John Madeley Jr., 29, of Barrie, is also facing charges of unlawfully accessing and distributing confidential information, specifically breach of trust by a police officer and unauthorized use of a computer. He earned $116,107.15 in 2024, according to the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List.
Sergeant Carl Grellette, 49, of Vaughan, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries by accepting bribes. He faces four charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and breach of trust by a public officer, and earned $163,479.09 in 2024.
Sergeant Saurabjit Bedi, 38, of Caledon, is accused of supporting illegal cannabis dispensaries and involvement in cocaine trafficking. He faces six charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to traffic in substance, and earned $162,036.07 in 2024.
Constable Derek McCormick, 57, of Toronto, is accused of stealing property taken to police, including government-issued identification, bank cards, and passports. He faces six charges, including obstruction of justice and multiple counts of theft under $5,000. He earned $148,027.19 in 2024 and received the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2019.
Constable Elias Mouawad, 24, of Mississauga, is accused of releasing confidential information in support of illicit activities. He faces two charges: breach of trust by a public officer and unauthorized use of a computer. His 2024 earnings were not listed on the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List.
Clayton Campbell, president of Toronto’s police union, stated on , that he was aware of “several of its members who were arrested” but declined to provide further details. The Toronto Police Association represents over 8,500 uniformed and civilian members.
