A Toronto police officer has been granted a conditional discharge after admitting to an illegal computer search during the wide-ranging Project South investigation. Constable Elias Mouawad must now complete a year of supervision and 100 hours of community service to avoid a permanent criminal record.

The scope of Project South

Project South was an extensive corruption and organized crime probe managed by York Regional Police. The investigation eventually implicated 27 individuals, including eight people who were either currently serving or previously employed by the Toronto Police Service.

Mouawad’s specific actions involved using police systems to look up a license plate for a former employer. This violation was uncovered while investigators were auditing database access to identify the source of information leaks linked to various violent crimes, including an attempted murder of a jail supervisor.

Implications for the officer's career

The judge's decision to grant a conditional discharge is a significant outcome for Mouawad's professional future. While the Crown had requested a period of house arrest and a curfew, the defense argued that a stricter sentence would likely result in the officer being fired or demoted.

By receiving this specific sentence, Mouawad maintains the possibility of fighting to keep his job through a disciplinary hearing. The court-ordered requirements include:

  • A twelve-month probationary period
  • 100 hours of community service
  • Meeting with a probation officer within two days

What was the officer's role?

Although Mouawad was originally facing a breach of trust charge, the Crown eventually withdrew that specific accusation. He instead pleaded guilty to the unauthorized use of a computer.

His legal counsel suggested that while Mouawad made a significant error, he was merely a "small fish in what's clearly a big case" and was not part of the more severe criminal activities being investigated in the broader corruption probe.

FAQ

Does a conditional discharge mean he is innocent?

No, a conditional discharge means the individual has been found guilty, but the court has decided not to record a formal conviction if certain conditions are met.

What was the original charge against him?

Mouawad pleaded guilty to the unauthorized use of a computer for conducting an illegal license plate search.