Vaughan politician not facing charges 

TorontoSun.com
May 19, 2017
Jenny Yuen
 
Vaughan Deputy Mayor Michael Di Biase, who resigned amid allegations of sexually harassment involving a city worker, is not facing any criminal charges.

York Regional Police say they don’t comment on whether someone files a complaint in sexual harassment cases, nor do they discuss if an incident is under investigation.

“That’s all we really can say because we don’t go into whether people have reported or whether we’re investigating,” Const. Laura Nicolle said Friday.

After 29 years as a city politician, Di Biase confirmed Thursday he will step down as deputy mayor, regional councillor and councillor after the shocking allegations were made public in a report released by Vaughan Integrity Commissioner Suzanne Craig.

Di Biase maintains his innocence and in a statement sent by his lawyer Thursday he said he does “not wish to be a distraction from the important work that is ahead for our council in protecting the interests of this city.”

Craig wrote she received a complaint in January 2017 from a worker whose identity she keeps confidential. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between March and July 2016.

The woman told Craig that (Di Biase) “grabbed my breasts, thrusted himself against me, attempted to kiss me and put his tongue in my mouth on about five or six more occasions. Each time, I would tell the respondent to stop, that his conduct was unwelcome and made me uncomfortable.”

When she later confronted him during a phone call, which she recorded, he admitted to making the sexual advances, according to Craig.

“He made light of his actions by making further unwelcome advances,” Craig wrote in her report. “

“The respondent’s conduct created and contributed to an intimidating and offensive work environment for the complainant, contrary to his obligations under the code and under the City’s Respectful Workplace Policy.”

A 2015 OPP investigation into Di Biase for “allegations of criminal wrongdoing” is ongoing. That probe involves Di Biase’s role in development deals, which allege his cottage was built by a company he may have helped get work from the city.

OPP Acting Sgt. Peter Leon said Friday an investigation into the alleged sexual harassment has not been launched.