Decision reserved for Regina police officer who targeted 33 women using internal databases
Robert Semenchuck pleaded guilty to breach of trust, unauthorized use of a computer in November
A provincial court judge has reserved her decision on the sentence for a former Regina police officer who used internal databases to pursue intimate and personal relationships with nearly three dozen women.
Robert Eric Semenchuck, 53, pleaded guilty to breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer in November 2025 at Regina provincial court.
During his sentencing hearing on Friday, court heard that the 22-year veteran of the RPS contacted 33 women.
Semenchuck would access their personal information and then reach out to women under the guise of a "wrong text," according to the facts agreed upon by the Crown and defence.
He would then engage the victims in further conversations, but he did not disclose his real name or the fact that he was a police sergeant.
Semenchuck would pursue the relationships while on duty and use police resources, such as his work phone and police cruiser, to contact or visit the women.
It was a deliberate, predatory violation from a man who used his badge as a shield.- Victim impact statement
A joint submission from Crown prosecutor Chris Browne and defence lawyer Nick Brown proposed a two-year suspended sentence to be served in the community, followed by three years of probation.
Semenchuck would have to abide by conditions including a prohibition on possession of a phone or computer.
Justice Marilynn Beaton reserved her decision until Feb. 6, saying she wants more time to consider the lawyers' arguments and victim impact statements.
Victim says 'I don't forgive you'
On Friday, court heard Semenchuck exchanged intimate photos with some of the women he contacted and maintained some of the relationships while he was on duty and using police resources.
"I don't forgive you," said one women, delivering a victim impact statement. "You took what you had no right to."
During the hearing, Semenchuck stared straight ahead, not meeting the eyes of the women who spoke into a microphone.
Nine women shared their victim impact statements on Friday. An additional four were read into the record by the prosecution and five were entered into the court record.
Justice Beaton imposed an interim publication ban on the identities of the women who did not want to be identified. CBC News is not identifying the women Semenchuck victimized.
Some of the women spoke about a need to relocate away from Regina as a result of Semenchuck's actions. Others said they now suffer from depression and anxiety.
Many described an inability to trust men and police, especially officers of the Regina Police Service.
"I no longer trust that I can call Regina police to my home for help," one woman said in her victim impact statement.
Another said the police service needs to regain trust, calling for action to ensure vulnerable women are safe.
"It was a deliberate, predatory violation from a man who used his badge as a shield," she said.
Police chief weighs in
Regina Police Chief Lorilee Davies also delivered a victim impact statement, outlining the impact of Semenchuck's actions on the service.
She acknowledged the complaints of many of the victims.
"We have much to do to regain your trust," Davies said.
Semenchuck has impaired the service's ability to function legitimately, creating a perception that it does not have the ability to police its own officers, she said.
"It takes thousands of small acts to build trust, yet it can be undermined by one decision."
Davies said Semenchuck has embarrassed her, other members of the police force and the city.
One woman said that long after she is gone, her children and family will continue to proudly say her name, but it will be the opposite for Semenchuck.
His family name is now tarnished, she said.
Semenchuck was given a chance to speak and briefly stood before apologizing for the harm his actions have caused.
"I am truly sorry," he said.
Allegations about Semenchuck's conduct were first brought to the force's attention in early 2023, but it took until March of 2025 for then-chief Farooq Sheikh to announce that he was being charged.
Semenchuck resigned in April 2025, shortly after he was charged.
In the wake of his conduct, the police service said it instituted new policies to ensure this doesn't happen again.
That includes an auditing process, additional training to enforce that this behaviour is unacceptable and a message that reminds anyone accessing the database that it should be used only for investigative purposes.
RPS concluded its investigation into Semenchuck in 2025, but said it's open to investigate any new information that comes to its attention.
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