A Toronto police officer at the center of a massive corruption probe remains behind bars after a judge rejected his third attempt to secure bail. Timothy Barnhardt has been in custody since his February arrest during the ongoing Project South investigation.
What are the allegations in the Project South case?
Barnhardt, 56, faces 10 criminal charges, the most of any officer implicated in the sprawling inquiry. Investigators allege he used his position to provide criminals with sensitive data from protected police databases. An information to obtain application stated that Barnhardt "routinely sold confidential database information to known criminal associate Da Costa," which allegedly assisted in the commission of violent crimes.
In addition to the data theft, the officer is accused of:
- Distributing drugs and police uniforms
- Protecting illegal cannabis shops in exchange for bribes
- Organizing a protection racket
How did the investigation begin?
The probe was initiated in June 2025 by York Regional Police after they uncovered a conspiracy to kill a senior corrections official at the Toronto South Detention Centre. What began as a targeted investigation into a murder plot expanded into a wide-reaching look at organized crime and police misconduct.
To date, the investigation has led to charges against seven active Toronto officers, one retired constable, and 20 civilians. While some participants in the case have already entered guilty pleas, the most significant allegations against Barnhardt have not yet been tested in a court of law. Justice Philip Campbell issued the latest detention ruling during a mandatory review, though a publication ban protects specific details to ensure a fair trial.
FAQ
Which agency is managing the investigation?
Because the allegations involve potential criminal organization links, York Regional Police are leading the probe rather than the Toronto Police Service.
Are the other accused individuals still facing trial?
While several officers and civilians have already been sentenced after pleading guilty, many other defendants remain in the legal process and are presumed innocent.
