N.S. RCMP officer charged with breaking into man’s Cape Breton home

A Nova Scotia RCMP officer is facing charges related to a break-in at a man’s home in Cape Breton last year.

The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) says Const. Sara Bennett is charged with breaking and entering and mischief related to property valued at more than $5,000. SiRT launched the investigation into the incident on Dec. 14, 2024 after being contacted by Cape Breton Regional Police.

SiRT says the property belonged to a man known to the officer.

“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, SiRT will not provide further comment on the investigation,” reads a news release from SiRT.

In a separate statement, assistant commissioner Dennis Daley with the N.S. RCMP said Bennett, who has been a member since June 2023, has been placed on administrative duties. An internal code of conduct investigation is ongoing.

“The RCMP takes all allegations of misconduct seriously; our employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that not only meets, but exceeds, the rightfully high expectations of Canadians,” Daley said.

Bennett will appear in Sydney provincial court on Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

SiRT investigates all matters involving death, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and serious injury that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

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