LPS Sgt. Jason Moulton found not guilty of discreditable conduct

A Lethbridge police sergeant at the heart of the meme-gate scandal was found not guilty of one count of discreditable conduct today during a misconduct hearing at City Hall. Video Journalist Micah Quinn was at the hearing and has more of the details.

The situation stems from the WhatsApp group called the Meme Militia in 2018 where officers sent offensive and malicious memes depicting former chief Rob Davis and deputy Chief Scott Woods in a negative light. Moulton previously admitted to five counts of guilt in relation to the misconduct in November of 2021. Moulton sat in to learn his fate on Wednesday morning regarding count seven of the charges. He was found not guilty of discreditable conduct using tyrannical and oppressive conduct towards a subordinate. The presiding officer, Paul Manuel says he found him not guilty of this count because there was not enough evidence from witness testimony. Moulton previously pled guilty to two counts of neglect of duty, one count of insubordination and three other counts of discreditable conduct. 

Jason Moulton admitted to five counts of misconduct in November of 2021. He previously pleaded not guilty to discreditable conduct in that same month. In total, five officers were charged with misconduct under the Alberta Police Act and Police Service Regulation in relation to the meme group incident. Matters have already been concluded for the four other officers involved. 

The presiding officer adjourned the hearing until March 25th when sanctioned arguments will be heard.