Jail Official Denies Planting Weapon Amidst Murder Plot Allegations

A senior corrections officer, who is the target of an alleged murder plot that led to the Project South investigation, has denied planting a weapon in an inmate's cell. The officer testified via Zoom, with his identity shielded by a publication ban and temporary courtroom screens. The testimony came in response to a Charter breach application filed by inmate Joshua James Malcolm-Evans, who has pleaded guilty to unrelated gun-trafficking charges. Malcolm-Evans' application argues his rights were violated by the jail and seeks a shorter sentence or stay of proceedings. During cross-examination, the inmate's lawyer suggested the officer planted a sharpened piece of glass or plastic found in the inmate's cell to justify his treatment. The officer vehemently denied this, stating he was present to ensure the search was conducted properly. He acknowledged that the corrections system is not perfect and that corruption exists within corrections, policing, and the justice system, but argued that Malcolm-Evans' affidavit unfairly implicated him in all systemic failures. Malcolm-Evans' affidavit accused the officer of overseeing improper strip searches, dismissing inmate rights, and discarding personal belongings, claiming deep trauma from his time at the Toronto South Detention Centre. The senior corrections officer previously denied these allegations, asserting he fully complied with the law in his dealings with Malcolm-Evans. The testimony marks the first public statement from the officer since the investigation into alleged corruption and organized crime began. The Project South investigation has resulted in charges against multiple police officers and civilians. The officer also detailed ongoing safety concerns following the alleged attempts on his life, linking them to potential organized crime involvement and the alleged leaking of his home address by a police officer.