Senior corrections officer testifies in court over inmate allegations

A senior corrections officer at Toronto South Detention Centre testified Thursday that he followed the law in all dealings with inmate Joshua James Malcolm-Evans. The officer denied allegations that he oversaw improper strip searches, damaged inmate property, and threatened inmates.

The officer, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, responded to a Charter application filed by Malcolm-Evans. Malcolm-Evans, who has pleaded guilty to unrelated gun-trafficking charges, seeks a shorter sentence or stay of proceedings.

Allegations from inmate affidavit Malcolm-Evans alleged in an affidavit that the officer regularly searched cells for contraband and threw inmates' property into garbage, damaged books, and mixed belongings. He also claimed the officer told inmates they have no rights and set him up to face a weapon-possession charge.

"To this day I am deeply traumatized by my experience," Malcolm-Evans wrote. He has been held at the jail since February 2024. The officer admitted to removing clothes and blankets from cells in accordance with jail policy.

investigation The testimony marks the first time the officer has spoken publicly since York Regional Police announced details of its investigation into corruption and organized crime. The probe began after an alleged attempt on the officer's life in June 2025.

Seven Toronto police officers, one retired constable, and 19 civilians face charges in the Project South case. An inmate and a correctional officer at the detention centre were investigated for potential involvement in the alleged murder plot but have not been charged.