The officer in charge of a police pilot project created to protect and “rescue” sex trade workers has pleaded guilty to eight Police Services Act charges after engaging in sexual acts and sending lewd messages and photos of his penis to sex workers and colleagues.

Sgt. Derek Mellor — a 14-year veteran with the Hamilton Police who was once the lead its anti-human trafficking initiative dubbed “Project Rescue” — appeared Monday morning at Hamilton police headquarters. He said little, but replied “guilty” each time he was asked how he was pleading to the charges, which included relations with five different women.

As part of an agreed statement of facts, Mellor admitted to undertaking a sexual relationship with the mother of a woman whose human trafficking case he was working on. He admitted to engaging in sexual activity with her on the side of a rural road, sending her pictures of his penis and a three-second video of him masturbating.

He also pleaded guilty to sending sexual photos and texts to two women who worked with the human trafficking volunteer organization “Walk With Me,” and pursuing sexual relationships with two sex workers.

On top of the eight misconduct charges to which he has already pleaded guilty, Mellor is still facing one charge that he engaged in sexual activity with a female witness connected to a case. That charge is being heard later this afternoon.

Two other charges that had been laid against Mellor for corrupt practices and breach of duty were withdrawn.

No sentence has been given. The hearing resumes Monday afternoon.

Source