VICTORIA – An officer from the Merritt, B.C. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Const. David Paul Feller, is facing multiple serious charges related to firearms, drawing attention to misconduct within law enforcement. The BC Prosecution Service has formally approved the charges following investigations into actions taken by Feller over a span of three years, from 2020 to 2023, in the cities of Merritt and Kamloops.
The charges against Feller include one count of breach of trust, which highlights the severe violation of the public’s trust expected from an RCMP officer. He is also charged with two counts of possessing firearms that were allegedly obtained through the commission of a crime. In addition to these, Feller faces two counts of improperly storing firearms, violating regulations set forth in the Firearms Act, which governs the possession and handling of firearms in Canada.
Moreover, Feller has been charged with possessing unloaded restricted firearms alongside readily accessible ammunition, as well as having restricted firearms at an unauthorized location. These additional charges point to a serious breach of both the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, raising questions about the responsible handling of firearms by law enforcement personnel.
The BC Prosecution Service has made it clear that the charges were brought forward by an experienced lawyer who bears no connections to Feller, ensuring the integrity of the prosecutorial process. This measure reflects an effort to maintain fairness and impartiality, particularly given the nature of the allegations against a law enforcement officer.
Const. Feller is scheduled to appear in Merritt provincial court for his initial hearing regarding these charges on November 18, 2025. This upcoming court appearance will act as a critical juncture in the proceedings, as the allegations carry significant implications not only for Feller's career but also for public confidence in the RCMP.
The nature of these allegations underscores the ongoing challenges related to accountability within police forces, particularly concerning the handling and possession of firearms. As this case unfolds, it will likely attract attention not just locally, but across Canada, prompting discussions about police conduct, the standards of law enforcement personnel, and the measures in place to ensure that officers adhere to the laws they are sworn to uphold.
The developments surrounding Const. Feller’s case will be closely monitored as they illustrate broader issues of trust and responsibility within the police force. The outcome will not only affect Feller's future but also serve as a reflection of the state of policing and accountability in Canada today.
