Funny Money

Picture this: there’s a cop named Corey McArthur. He works for the Guelph, Ontario force. By all accounts he’s a hard working, no nonsense type. But there were issues.

Corey had a short fuse. Woefully common in his line of work. But Corey blurred the lines.

Go back to the first time in 2008 when he’s charged with assault after arresting a drunk outside a bar. While making a report his doctor notes that Corey had stopped going to counseling and prescribed him some meds stating “He loves his work but hates the politics.”

In 2010 Corey’s found guilty of the assault charge. He gets an absolute discharge and is reassigned as o admin duties at work.

At a police service hearing, Corey pleads guilty to discreditable conduct. He’s reprimanded and required to work 80 hours of additional shifts. Bad Corey!

2013 is a busy year. Corey is accused of using excessive force. That complaint goes nowhere. Later that year Corey is charged with assault causing bodily harm. That charge is withdrawn.

In 2016 a teen in the midst of a meth OD is brought to Guelph Hospital. While handcuffed to his bed he manages to knee Corey in the chest or stomach while being further restrained. Corey responds by elbowing the teen in the face, creating a laceration under his eye that required stitches.

Corey claims the injury was self inflicted but the high def security video shows otherwise.

Corey goes on leave a month later, using his WSIB benefits. He is charged with assault causing bodily harm.

In 2018 he pleads guilty to a lesser criminal assault charge. He is given a conditional discharge with three years maximum probation and 240 hours of community service.

Corey says he’s suffered from PTSD ever since his partner was killed while driving to back him up on a call. The judge agreed.

Guelph Police serve Corey with a notice of suspension pending the outcome of a hearing. He’s suspended with pay as per the Police Services Act.

Corey hasn’t worked in two years. He’s made at least $101,000 each year.

October 2022, four years later. Corey’s police services hearing finally starts. He will be either suspended or dismissed at the end of it. His supervisors tell him that he needs to resign or be fired in seven days.

November 2022. Corey files an appeal within the seven day period. He’s arguing for a demotion instead of a dismissal.

Corey makes $116,484 in 2022. He hasn’t worked in six years.

July 2024. Corey pleads guilty to discreditable conduct for the second time in his career.

April 2026. The penalty hearing ends.

July 2026. Guelph Police Services has the final say, giving Corey McArthur seven days to resign or be dismissed.

He’s out of appeals.

He hasn’t worked his job in ten years.

He’s made at least $1.1 million in salary in that time.

*reference material:
“TIMELINE: Corey McArthur’s troubled past with the Guelph Police Service, Jennifer K. Baker, CTV News”