Constable Derek McCormick of the Toronto Police Service pleaded guilty on July 22, 2026 to one count of theft of a cellphone and one count of breach of trust. The charges stem from his distribution of burner phones taken from the department’s lost‑property inventory to a fellow officer who is also under investigation in the Toronto Police Service’s Project South inquiry.
According to court filings, McCormick provided the lost‑property phones, valued at approximately $5,000, to the other officer. The phones were originally held by the police as part of the standard procedure for managing items turned in by the public. By handing them over, McCormick violated department policy and the trust placed in him as a law‑enforcement official.
The guilty pleas mark a development in Project South, a broader investigation focused on alleged misconduct within the Toronto Police Service. The inquiry has examined multiple allegations involving officers, and McCormick’s case adds a theft and breach of trust component to the ongoing review.
The court recorded a single count for each offense: theft of a cellphone and breach of trust. While sentencing details have not been released, the admission of guilt underscores the seriousness with which the justice system is treating violations of police internal controls.
The incident highlights the importance of strict oversight of police property handling procedures. By misappropriating items meant for public return, McCormick breached both legal and ethical standards expected of officers. The outcome of his case will be considered alongside other matters under Project South as the Toronto Police Service continues to address internal accountability.
The Toronto Police Service has not issued additional comment beyond acknowledging the court’s acceptance of the guilty pleas and confirming that the matter is part of the ongoing Project South investigation.