Edmonton officer faces prison for sexual harassment of victims

An Edmonton police officer is facing a possible prison sentence for making sexual advances toward women while on duty. Const. Hunter Robinz pleaded guilty to a breach of trust. He admitted to pursuing contact with eight women who were victims of crime or needed police assistance. The misconduct occurred between 2017 and 2019. The police watchdog in Alberta started an investigation, which led to charges being filed in 2021. Robinz has been suspended without pay for four years. Because of a publication ban, the names of the victims remain confidential. In court, Crown prosecutor Photini Papadatou argued that Robinz should receive a sentence of at least two years. She suggested that three years might be appropriate due to his lack of understanding of the harm his actions caused. She noted that he cannot be a police officer again after committing these offenses. Robinz's defense lawyer, Allan Fay, proposed that Robinz serve his sentence at home with restrictions. He mentioned that a forensic psychiatrist diagnosed Robinz with post-traumatic stress disorder related to his military service. Fay acknowledged that Robinz's actions were serious but suggested they had impulsive aspects due to his condition. Papadatou countered by saying that Robinz was aware of the risks to his career but continued his behavior until he was caught. She highlighted a specific incident where Robinz returned to a seriously distressed young woman he had initially assisted and made unwanted advances toward her. The judge is set to announce the sentence on May 16.