2 B.C. RCMP officers face criminal charges following separate on-duty incidents

British Columbia's prosecution service approved criminal charges against two RCMP officers Thursday, stemming from separate, unrelated incidents nearly a year ago.

The service announceda Langley RCMP officer is charged with breach of trust and uttering threats. Hours earlier, it said it also approved an assault charge against a Surrey RCMP officer in a separate incident, which allegedly occurred a month earlier.

The B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS) could not be reached foran interview but said in a statement the charges "were approved by an experienced Crown Counsel with no prior or current connection" with either officer.

Langley RCMPConst.Patrick Sean Malone's uttering threats and breach of trust charges related to an alleged incident last July 6. He will appear in court on June 30.

A conviction on either count can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, according to the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, a charge of assault causing bodily harmwas laid against Surrey RCMPConst. Jagjeet Bassan related to an on-duty incident on June 4, 2021. Bassan's first court appearance is scheduled for July 6.

If convicted, he could face up to 10years in prison.

The service said that both of the officers' charges were sworn on Thursday.