Hamilton police officers from gangs unit charged

Two longtime Hamilton police officers, bothfrom the gangs and weapons enforcement unit, have been arrested on charges that include perjury, fabricating evidence and obstructing justice.

Det. Const. Robert Hansen and Det. Const. Craig Ruthowsky, both 38, have been suspended with pay since June, after a criminal investigation revealed possible misconduct.

Hansen, a 12-year veteran of the police force, is charged with fabricating evidence and perjury. The charges are related to fabricated information on a search warrant, Hamilton Police Service said ina news releaseWednesday evening.

Ruthowsky, a 14-year member of the Hamilton service, is charged with obstruction of justice and breach of trust. This charge is related to disclosing confidential information to an unauthorized person, police said.

Both Hansen and Ruthowsky are high earners on the force, both earning more than $100,000 in 2011, according to the province's annual Sunshine List.

Last August, Ruthowskywas named the Hamilton Police Service's "Member of the Month" for his commitment to keeping drugs and weapons off the city's streets.

Both officers are due to appear in court on Dec. 20. Because the matter is before the court, Hamilton police "will make no further comment," the release stated.