Earlier today, the Ontario Court of Appeal rejected both the conviction and sentence appeal that was presented in Detective Constable Remo Romano’s defence. As a result of today’s decision by the courts, Remo will begin his eight-month sentence today on his conviction of Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle Causing Death.
The last seven years have been difficult for everyone involved, including the family of Natasha Carla Abogado and Detective Constable Remo Romano. Detective Constable Romano’s first trial in May 2016 ended in a hung jury. He was found not guilty at a second trial later that year. Following a third trial in January 2018, a guilty verdict was rendered and had been adjourned pending today’s appeal on the sentencing.
This is a tragic day for both the Abogado family and the Romano family, as there will never be any good outcome from all of this. We are extremely disappointed with today’s sentencing of Detective Constable Remo Romano.
We believe this decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal by Chief Justice Strathy, Justice Watt and Justice Zarnett will have serious implications with respect to how police respond to calls for service. As a result of the conviction in this case, police officers have been put on notice by the courts that they may face criminal liability for exceeding the speed limit while in the lawful execution of their duties. Therefore, we will seek to review the decision by assisting Detective Constable Romano to exercise his right to appeal. We will continue to support Remo as he continues this process, and we would ask members of the media to respect the Romano family’s privacy at this very difficult time.
Thank you.
– 30 –
YRPA Media Inquiries: Erika Mieto, Director of Communications, 905-751-5885, emieto@yrpa.ca
About YPRA: As one of Canada’s leading police associations, York Regional Police Association (YRPA) represents over 2,400 uniformed officers and civilian members of York Regional Police. Established in 1971, the association is dedicated to serving the women and men who protect the York Region community. In the last five years, the association has contributed over $218,000 to various charities and towards members’ participation in charitable work.