Editor:
Re: Olson unleashes counter-complaints, May 23.
The Criminal Justice Branch is writing in response to an article regarding Janet Olson, under the sub-headline: “Accused dog-napper alleges Crown counsel and RCMP official negligent.”
To clarify, there has been no “investigation” commenced by the Criminal Justice Branch with respect to Crown counsel’s involvement with Olson. Rather, deputy regional Crown counsel reviewed Olson’s complaints, which were made directly to the Crown counsel office, and found Crown counsel conducted themselves in accordance with Criminal Justice Branch policy and the Criminal Code.
The branch has responded directly to Olson and her counsel of record, explaining the results of the review. Deputy regional Crown counsel found that the complaints were unsubstantiated.
(Editor’s note: The article reported Olson issued a news release saying two prosecutors are under investigation, but that the Crown said a review found her complaint unsubstantiated.)
As Olson’s matter is before the courts and subject to a publication ban, it would not be appropriate to comment further on any of the details that relate to the substance and conduct of that prosecution.
Samantha Hulme, Criminal Justice Branch, B.C. Ministry of Justice