Windsor police officer faces new charge after pleading guilty in harassment case

A Windsor police officer who last month pleaded guilty to making harassing phone calls to a female colleague is now facing a new charge of uttering threats.

Const. Joshua Smith pleaded guilty to criminal harassment and indecent communications at the end of April. Those charges stemmed from 2023, when Smith called the victim several times while moaning and breathing heavily, according to an agreed upon statement of facts. 

The Windsor Police Service disclosed on Wednesday that Smith "has also recently been charged with uttering threats."

Spokesperson Gary Francoeur said the new charge is not related to the previous case, but did not provide additional details.

Smith's lawyer was not immediately available to comment. 

Smith is already facing a charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act as a result of last month's guilty plea. Francoeur said an internal investigation will begin after Smith's latest criminal case is completed.

"As the internal disciplinary process is underway, we will not comment further at this time," Francoeur added.

Smith has been suspended with pay since he was first charged in September 2023.

According to Ontario's most recent Sunshine List disclosures, a Const. Joshua F. A. Smith with the Windsor Police Service was paid $125,320 in 2024.

Police chiefs in Ontario have advocated for years for legislative change that would give them more power to fire or suspend officers without pay. The province passed a new law that expanded those powers somewhat — but it didn't take effect until last year.