Toronto officer gets conditional discharge in Project South case

Const. Elias Mouawad received a conditional discharge with a one-year probationary period on Monday after pleading guilty to unauthorized use of a computer during the Project South police corruption investigation.

Mouawad Receives Conditional Discharge for Police Computer Misuse

The sentence concludes a specific part of the legal proceedings against Mouawad, who admitted last month to breaking Toronto Police Service rules. Court records show he used the police computer system to look up a licence plate for a friend. The charge of breach of trust against him was previously withdrawn by the Crown.

Under the terms of the conditional discharge, Mouawad must report to a probationary office within two days. York Regional Police initially disclosed the broader results of Project South in February, revealing an investigation that ultimately targeted 27 suspects, including eight current and former Toronto police officers facing various corruption allegations.

Database Reviews And The Source Of Leaks

Investigators caught Mouawad during a wide-ranging review of police databases. The internal audits were launched to track down the sources of information leaks that investigators linked to subsequent shootings and the attempted murder of a jail supervisor.

Outside the courthouse at 361 University Avenue in Toronto, Mouawad’s lawyer addressed the public perception surrounding the case. “Unfortunately, when the information was released to the press, it made our client appear as if he was part of the very, very serious misconduct that has been alleged in Project South when that is not the case,” the defense lawyer stated.

Project South Legal Challenges Continue Through Justice System

While the conditional discharge resolves the criminal matter for Mouawad subject to his one-year probation, the broader fallout from Project South continues to wind through the justice system.

When public officials or law enforcement personnel face scrutiny over database access or professional misconduct, resolving the resulting administrative and legal challenges typically requires specialized counsel. Individuals navigating complex internal investigations often consult defense attorneys or regulatory compliance specialists to address professional disciplinary actions.