By rdnewsNOW staff

November 2023 Incident

Red Deer RCMP officer charged with breach of trust and transferring intimate images without consent

Dec 16, 2024 | 1:34 PM

A local Mountie is facing charges after allegedly accessing images on a detained person’s phone and transmitting them without consent.

On Nov. 28, 2023, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) says it was directed to investigate a Red Deer RCMP officer following the incident, which occurred on Nov. 23, 2023, at the Red Deer Hospital while the person was receiving treatment.

According to ASIRT, evidence gathered during their investigation provided reasonable grounds to believe offences had been committed. As required by the Police Act, ASIRT says the investigation was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) to determine whether the evidence met the standard for prosecution.

Following a review of the investigation and having been advised by the ACPS that the evidence met their standard for prosecution, executive director Michael Ewenson, K.C., determined that the involved officer should be charged.

On Dec. 12, Const. Matthew Villeneuve was charged with one count of breach of trust by public officer, and one count of publication of an intimate image without consent. ASIRT says he was released on an undertaking and is scheduled for his first appearance in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Feb. 26, 2025.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

13h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

A spokesperson with Red Deer RCMP says Const. Villeneuve’s current status is off duty with pay.

As this matter is now before the courts, ASIRT says no further information will be released.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.