The scandal gripping the Toronto Police Service isn't a tale of a few rogue officers, but a sprawling network of alleged corruption, a drama unfolding with the scale of a cinematic epic. It’s a world where the lines between law enforcement and the criminal underworld blurred, and the consequences are only beginning to surface.
At the heart of the investigation are the “TPS 7” – seven officers and one retiree – allegedly linked to organized crime. But this isn’t simply about disorganized thugs; it’s about a calculated system, a web of influence reaching into the city’s underbelly. Nineteen civilians, ranging in age from 17 to 62, have also been charged, hinting at a far wider reach than initially imagined.
The alleged conspiracy took a chilling turn with shootings at a corrections manager’s home in York Region. Almar Heath, 28, and two young accomplices are accused of plotting the attack, even allegedly acquiring police uniforms for the operation. The accusation that a serving officer, Const. Timothy Barnhardt, supplied those uniforms is a particularly damning detail.
Median Jackson, 32, a name already known to law enforcement, is now facing new charges related to the alleged conspiracy. Years prior, a York Regional Police officer unleashed a dog on Jackson during a chase, resulting in an assault conviction. His past brushes with the law, including arrests for violent robberies, paint a picture of a volatile individual entangled in this complex case.
Kaejean Isaiah Doman, 23, faces a staggering list of charges, including multiple counts of discharging a firearm with intent and conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators link him to shootings across several cities – Vaughan, Brampton, and London – a trail of violence culminating in his arrest after a pursuit. A terrifying detail emerged: 125 bullets were fired during the series of attacks.
The alleged corruption wasn’t limited to violent crime. Phillip Lecos, 49, owner of Lecos Auto Sales, is accused of possessing stolen property exceeding $5,000. Online reviews suggest a pattern of questionable practices at his dealership, adding another layer to the unfolding scandal.
The network extended beyond the expected profiles, including Jennifer Jasey, 57, a real estate agent and former actress who appeared in “The X-Files.” She’s charged with firearm offenses and harassment, a surprising turn for the woman who once spearheaded “Trump Dodgers,” a project aimed at helping Americans relocate to Canada after the 2016 election.
Brandi Dixon, 34, faces equally serious charges, including possession of a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of illicit drugs – cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. A search warrant uncovered these substances, solidifying the allegations against her and revealing the depth of the criminal enterprise.
Allegedly orchestrating much of this was Brian Da Costa, 43, a shadowy figure largely unknown even within the police force. He’s accused of seeking to protect illegal cannabis dispensaries in exchange for bribes, a scheme that allegedly involved the TPS 7 providing a shield from law enforcement scrutiny. His alleged lieutenant, Elwyn Satanowsky, 34, is a known player in the often-violent tow truck industry.
The fallout from “Project South” is spreading. Three officers with the Peel Regional Police have been administratively suspended pending further investigation, demonstrating the far-reaching implications of the scandal. The investigation remains active, and authorities anticipate further charges and arrests as they unravel the full extent of this alleged corruption. The story is far from over.
