The police said in a press statement: "An investigation was initiated by the Professional Standards Unit, which is part of the Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion, and Leadership under the Office of the Attorney General, in 2021 after it was determined that items were missing from the evidence locker at the Sudbury detachment."

As a result, a police sergeant was charged with theft and breach of trust on Tuesday, following his suspension in March.

Bill Dixon, OPP spokesperson, told CTV News in an email, "The nature of the items missing from the vault is part of the evidence submitted when matters are brought to court, and cannot be released."

"He also stated, "It is possible that the operation was fabricated to cover up a suspect with a tempting financial motive because such cases are rare within the police ranks."