Former Vernon, B.C., Mountie to stand trial on child pornography allegations

VERNON, B.C.—A former RCMP officer in Vernon, B.C., will face child pornography charges.

A provincial court judge in the north Okanagan city has found there is enough evidence to proceed with charges against 35-year-old Ryan Hampton.

He appeared in court Tuesday charged with nine counts including possession of child pornography and obstruction of justice, and will return April 14 to set a date for trial.

Hampton was suspended without pay almost immediately after his arrest last June.

At the time, Chief Supt. Mike Sekela said the force would also hold a formal disciplinary hearing and seek Hampton’s dismissal.

Hampton has since left the RCMP but the circumstances are unclear.