An RCMP inspector accused by a former colleague of sexual harassment has “expressly denied” all of the allegations.
In a response last week to a claim filed in August 2013 by civilian employee Atoya Montague, Tim Shields – a White Rock resident and formerly a high-profile RCMP spokesperson – states the pair had first a “friendly working relationship” from 2003 to 2008, and then a “friendly and professional relationship” from 2008 to 2011.
In her claim, Montague alleged Shields made several unwanted sexual advances toward her starting with a trip they made to the B.C. Interior in 2003 to drop off supplies to wildfire victims; and that he had continued to make inappropriate, sexually harassing comments and sent text messages to her throughout their work association.
In his July 18 response, Shields claims Montague was open both in one-on-one conversations and group settings about personal and sexual aspects of her life.
“She participated in sexual banter and frequently made sexual remarks and jokes, including comments and jokes about her own breasts,” the response states. “She did so in the presence of her colleagues and supervisors (including but not limited to Shields).”
Shields’ response also notes that the plaintiff never raised her concerns about him with a co-worker, supervisor or other person in a position of authority; and, that she refused to speak about the allegations during internal RCMP investigations that followed the claim.
“On September 30, 2013, the RCMP deemed the allegations to be unsubstantiated,” the response states.
Montague’s claim was the first of two filed against Shields in the past 12 months.
Earlier this month, another civilian RCMP staffer, Anitra Singh, accused Shields of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
A response to that claim has yet to be filed.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.