Justice Danalyn MacKinnon imposes suspended sentence and 18 months’ probation for Peter Ritchie, 48

THUNDER BAY — Peter Ritchie, 48, appeared by Zoom video before Justice Danalyn MacKinnon on Friday, February 20, 2026, for sentencing after pleading guilty to an offence described in court as a breach of trust involving theft of property.

The case stems from an incident on July 18, 2024, when Superior North Paramedics and Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) officers responded to a reported overdose at a motel in the Fort William area of Thunder Bay.

The agreed statement of facts

Court heard that first responders were told by the patient’s girlfriend that Michael Buchan’s wallet was on a table in the room and contained his health card and a large amount of cash, estimated at about $1,000.

Ritchie later handed the wallet to a paramedic, but the money was missing.

The court was told that police body-worn camera footage captured Ritchie’s shadow outside the motel room, showing his right hand in his pocket.

Paramedics were able to revive Buchan. Court heard that Ritchie was confronted about the missing cash and then removed money from his pocket and returned it.

Ritchie did not report the incident to a supervisor, the court heard, but it was later reported by a paramedic.

Guilty plea and resignation

Ritchie resigned from the Thunder Bay Police Service in January 2026 and entered a guilty plea earlier this month, the court was told.

Joint submission accepted

Assistant Crown attorney Heidi Mitchell and defence counsel Pamela Machado presented a joint submission proposing a suspended sentence with 18 months of probation.

In delivering her decision, Justice MacKinnon reviewed the aggravating and mitigating factors and concluded the proposed sentence fell within an acceptable range. The court accepted the joint submission.

A suspended sentence means the accused is convicted, but serves the sentence in the community under probation supervision, rather than in custody.

Sentence and probation conditions

Ritchie was sentenced to a suspended sentence and placed on 18 months’ probation. Conditions outlined in court include requiring him to:

• Write a letter of apology to Michael Buchan;

• Participate in mental health counselling, including supports related to PTSD;

• Complete programming aimed at improving understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures; and

• Complete 50 hours of community service.