Child allegedly handcuffed in Ottawa basement; RCMP officer and wife charged

OTTAWA - An RCMP officer and his wife are facing multiple abuse and sex-related charges following a child abuse investigation in Ottawa.

Police say the 41-year-old officer and 34-year-old wife are charged with several counts of aggravated assault, assault with weapon, aggravated sexual assault, forcible confinement and failing to provide the necessaries of life.

Police aren't saying how many children are involved, but say the case involves more than one alleged victim.

In order to protect the identity of the alleged victims, the names of the couple have not been released.

A police source says the investigation was launched after an 11-year-old child was discovered wandering in a residential neighbourhood.

And the source says it's believed handcuffs were used to keep the child in the basement of a house for months.

The officer's wife is expected to go before a judge today to set a date for a bail hearing.