Former cop sues police chief and town of Amherst

A former police officer from Amherst, Nova Scotia, has taken legal action against the town and the chief of police, claiming defamation. Mark Rushton, who served as a constable with the Amherst Police Department, alleges that accusations made last year regarding his qualifications for the job have had a detrimental impact on his reputation, career, and personal life.

Rushton resigned from his position on June 6, 2024, just days after being informed of a complaint filed against him under the Nova Scotia Police Act. Despite stating that his resignation was unrelated to the complaint and was instead a decision to relocate to be closer to his family in the Annapolis Valley, the allegations made against him have had lasting consequences.

The complaint, which accused Rushton of acting “in a disorderly manner” and making a “false or misleading statement in an official record,” led to an internal investigation within the Amherst Police Department. While Police Chief Dwayne Pike refrained from naming Rushton in public statements regarding the investigation, the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service and court documents identified him, resulting in the dismissal of charges in nine cases he had handled.

In his lawsuit, Rushton asserts that Chief Pike’s comments have damaged his reputation and character, deeming them as “libellous and defamatory.” His lawyer, Laura Neilan, expressed confidence in vindicating Rushton’s reputation through the legal process, stating that there is no evidence to suggest dishonesty in his qualifications.

Rushton, who had previously worked as a military police officer and a special constable in Alberta, claims that the Amherst Police Department had his full training record on file, including completion of the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy and Dalhousie University’s police leadership program. Despite his credentials, he has faced challenges securing employment due to the negative associations with his time in Amherst.

The lawsuit outlines the impact on Rushton’s life, including losing custody of his children, facing financial difficulties leading to bankruptcy, and struggling to find stable employment. Seeking damages for the harm caused to his reputation and livelihood, the lawsuit emphasizes the reckless nature of Chief Pike’s statements and the need for accountability.

While the specific monetary amount sought in the lawsuit remains undisclosed, it falls within a limit of under $150,000. As the legal proceedings unfold, the allegations made by Rushton have yet to be tested in court, with no comments provided by the involved parties in response to media inquiries.