CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A former P.E.I. correctional officer has been charged with breach of trust for allegedly taking unauthorized items into a correctional facility.
James Tutton, 39, of Brackley has been ordered to deposit all passports with the RCMP and not go to the Provincial Correctional Centre in Milton Station.
The charge, which is an indictable offence that carries a maximum five-year jail sentence, arises from an alleged breach of trust taking place on or between Sept. 1, 2019 and Oct. 17, 2019.
The charge states Tutton, while being a provincial correctional officer, did commit a breach of trust in connection with the duties of his office by taking unauthorized items into a corrections facility.
A provincial spokeswoman told The Guardian Tutton is no longer employed by the province.
Crown attorney Nathan Beck would not offer any details on the case, but noted the charge is rare on P.E.I.
“It’s not a charge I’ve dealt with before,’’ he says.
“I wouldn’t say it is common at all or not one we would commonly see in this jurisdiction.’’
Tutton’s lawyer appeared on his client’s behalf in provincial court Monday. Tutton’s next court date is Feb. 14 for election or plea.
