A stunning reversal unfolded in a Toronto courtroom Friday, as suspended police Constable Timothy Barnhardt was denied bail, becoming the sole remaining member of a group of seven accused officers held in custody. The decision sent ripples through the city, a stark contrast to expectations given the cases of other high-profile defendants granted release while awaiting trial.
Barnhardt, a 20-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, appeared in the same black sweatsuit he wore at his initial court appearance, a visible symbol of his dramatic fall from authority. The 56-year-old, who earned $134,000 in 2024 according to public records, now faces suspension without pay, alongside three of his co-accused.
The case against Barnhardt centers on “Project South,” an investigation that identified him as the initial source of a dangerous breach of security. He allegedly accessed confidential information about a Toronto South Detention Centre manager and shared it with Brian Da Costa, described by police as a central figure in a sprawling criminal network with international connections.
That detention centre manager subsequently became the target of a thwarted murder attempt last June, a chilling consequence of the alleged information leak. Barnhardt now confronts a staggering 17 charges, including drug trafficking – cocaine, oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and MDMA – conspiracy to obstruct justice, breach of trust, and bribery.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, many anticipated Barnhardt’s release on bail, particularly considering the precedent set by other cases. Even a former constable accused of second-degree murder was granted bail pending trial. This denial, therefore, carries significant weight, raising questions about the strength of the evidence and the perceived risk of further offenses.
The reasons for Justice of the Peace Bentley Springer’s decision remain sealed under a publication ban, adding to the mystery surrounding the case. Barnhardt displayed no outward reaction to the ruling, returning to a jail cell with his next court date set for March.
Da Costa, the alleged co-conspirator, will seek bail on Monday, adding another layer of anticipation to this unfolding drama. The implications of this case extend far beyond the individuals involved, prompting a critical examination of trust within the justice system and the potential for corruption within law enforcement.
