Michael Tenszen

Facts of police sex scandal demanded

Tonks, who is also a police commissioner, said he will confront Police Chief William McCormack tomorrow. "I am going to find out why we (police commission) weren't involved in the first instance. I am going to find out, I can certainly tell you that."

Tonks said the serious nature of the case revealed in the article by Allan Story should have prompted McCormack to disclose to the commission that the 29-year-old Metro policeman resigned last month after serious sex and drug charges were brought against him. Junger has denied involvement in an escort service and said he never performed sex for payment.

Tonks said his main concern is that "due process was followed" within the police department.

Commissioner Norm Gardner said the commission will hold a closed meeting soon to discuss the allegations. Gardner said the sordid details of the "escort" pay-for-sex scheme are "very, very disappointing." Gardner said he is also surprised McCormack did not inform commission members of the scandal.

"He (McCormack) may have thought he said something (to commission members) but this may be one of the things that slipped by him. He has been very busy."

The Star story said Junger, a policeman since 1981, was suspended with pay on Dec. 6, 1989, and resigned March 1. No prostitution or Police Act charges were ever laid. Junger also faced a drug charge but that was withdrawn the day before he resigned. According to the story, Junger said he was given a letter of recommendations that would allow him to join another force with an "unblemished record." The police contend Junger was only given a letter stating length of service.

McCormack said no deals were ever made with Junger and a police investigation did not turn up enough evidence to press charges.

In yesterday's interview, Gardner, a Metro councilor from North York, said it bothers him that three policemen were mentioned. He said he will press the police chief on whether other members of the 5,600 member force might have been involved.