DAWSON CREEK -- A former Dawson Creek RCMP officer is facing a number of serious charges.

Dawson Creek Provincial Court records show Corporal Christopher Gallant is facing two assault charges, an attempt to choke to overcome resistance charge, unlawful confinement or imprisonment, and one charge of attempting to pervert, defeat, and or obstruct justice.

The charges were laid on March 1, 2020. Gallant was later released from police custody with conditions. It is not clear at this time what those conditions are.

Gallant was working as a police officer in Dawson Creek at the time however, RCMP is releasing very little information on what happened.

"The charges relate to incidents which occured while off duty, and are unrelated to his role as a police officer," said B.C. RCMP media relations officer, Janelle Shoihet.

Shoihet says, "Gallant retired in April of this year and therefore is no longer employed by the RCMP."

Eight months after he was charged, he was named as reader's choice RCMP Officer of the Year.

Gallant was previously working with the Valemount RCMP in 2017.

The accused has not yet entered a formal plea. According to the B.C. Prosecution Service, "It is anticipated that he intends to plead not guilty as the matter has been set for election."

Gallant will be choosing whether he wants to be tried by a judge, or a judge and jury. He will also have the option of being tried in Provincial Court or B.C. Supreme Court. 

These allegations have not been proven in court. This matter has yet to go to trial.   

Gallant's next scheduled court appearance is June 15, 2021. 

This is a developing story.