Black Lawyer Sudine Riley Alleges Courthouse Police Brutalized Her in Oshawa, Ontario

A Black criminal defense lawyer says she was left bleeding and swollen following an encounter with police officers inside the courthouse where she had been working.

Attorney Sudine Riley alleged that Durham Regional Police officers used excessive force against her on January 23, 2026, at the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa, Ontario.

The allegations generated widespread attention and questions about courthouse security, police accountability and the treatment of Black legal professionals.

Months later, an outside police investigation concluded there were no reasonable grounds to lay criminal charges against the officers involved.

What Sudine Riley Says Happened

According to allegations made through Riley's legal counsel, Riley had finished a trial and remained at the courthouse to complete legal work in an interview room.

Her attorney alleged that uniformed officers providing courthouse security challenged Riley's presence in the room.

Riley alleges the encounter escalated and that officers slammed her head into a desk, restrained her and ultimately took her in handcuffs to cells in the courthouse basement.

Her legal team said she suffered injuries that included bleeding and swelling.

These claims are allegations made by Riley and her representatives and should not be treated as established findings of fact.

Riley Was Charged With Trespassing

Durham Regional Police confirmed that Riley was arrested on January 23 and charged with an offense under Ontario's Trespass to Property Act in connection with the courthouse incident.

After Riley publicly alleged misconduct surrounding her arrest, Durham police said the allegations were being taken "extremely seriously."

Police also reassigned the officers involved to duties that did not include courthouse security while the matter was investigated.

Investigation Moved Outside Durham Police

Questions arose over whether Durham Regional Police should investigate allegations involving members of its own department.

On January 30, Durham police announced that because Riley's allegations included claims that were potentially criminal in nature, the matter had been formally referred to York Regional Police for an outside criminal investigation.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit was also notified but did not invoke its investigative mandate.

Outside Investigation Finds No Grounds for Criminal Charges

There has since been a major development that is important to understanding the full story.

In July 2026, York Regional Police completed its months-long investigation.

According to Durham Regional Police, the outside investigation concluded that there were no reasonable grounds to lay criminal charges against any of the officers involved.

That means the officers were not criminally charged as a result of York police's investigation into Riley's allegations.

The finding does not itself establish that Riley's allegations were fabricated, nor does it necessarily resolve separate questions about police conduct or professional standards. It means investigators determined the evidence did not provide reasonable grounds for criminal charges.

What Happens Next?

The police-conduct aspect of the case may continue separately from the completed criminal investigation.

Under Ontario's Community Safety and Policing Act, the matter was formally referred to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA). Durham Regional Police has said it will cooperate with the agency's review.

LECA's role is significant because a police-conduct investigation operates separately from the question of whether officers committed a criminal offense.

Black Community News will continue monitoring the case for any findings from LECA, additional court proceedings involving Riley's trespassing charge, or civil legal action stemming from the courthouse encounter.

Editor's Note

This article distinguishes between allegations and confirmed investigative findings. Sudine Riley alleges that officers used excessive force against her during her arrest. Those allegations prompted an independent criminal investigation by York Regional Police, which concluded in July 2026 that there were no reasonable grounds to criminally charge the officers.

Black Community News believes allegations involving law enforcement should be reported accurately while preserving due process for everyone involved.

Reader Question: How should allegations against police officers be investigated when the officers accused of misconduct belong to the same department that would normally conduct the investigation?