Peter Hodson sentenced to three years in federal prison

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A former Vancouver Police constable who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking while on the job has been sentenced to three years in a federal prison.

Peter Hodson, now 33 years old, admitted to dealing marijuana while in uniform and also pleaded guilty to breach of trust and accessing police resources. He was arrested last year after an extensive undercover operation by Vancouver Police and fired shortly after.

Provincial Court Judge Gregory Rideout said Hodson was motivated by profit to deal drugs and the need for a “rush” and did so with “eyes wide open.”

He noted Hodson’s stable, family-oriented upbringing, volunteer work, letters of support and the fact he has reconciled with his wife after a series of affairs. He also has four children.

But Rideout said Hodson trafficked drugs while in uniform and accessed the VPD‘s PRIME computer database to check on a man who helped him.

He said the department had to divert significant time and resources to investigate Hodson rather than other cases. “Your remarkable fall from grace left many in its wake,” Rideout told Hodson, saying he let down his force and the citizens of Vancouver who paid his salary.

Sitting behind him, Hodson’s wife burst into tears when the sentence was read. Outside Vancouver Provincial Court, family members and supporters of Hodson pushed reporters and tried to block TV crews as they rushed his wife to a waiting car. Several people shoved their hands and umbrellas into cameras and admonished journalists before crossing the street.

Crown prosecutor Joe Bellows calls the three-year prison term a fit sentence. “Trafficking in a controlled substance while in full uniform and driving your marked police vehicle, it’s extremely unique,” he says.  “I think this judge was particularly concerned with the fact that Mr. Hodson committed his offences in the Downtown Eastside.  A very appropriate comment because, of course, the community struggles daily with drug-related matters,” adds Bellows.

Hodson’s lawyer, Vincent Michaels, says his client has accepted responsibility for his crimes from the beginning, saying Hodson committed them over a short time while he was relatively young. “It’s my opinion he’s going to do his time, reunite with his family and come back to offer more to society,” says Michaels.

Asked if Hodson will be picked on or be a vulnerable target in a federal prison, Michaels says the judge noted it will be ‘hard time.’  “And corrections will work to ensure his safety.  That may mean he’s in isolation or a more segregated form of confinement, and that’s a more difficult way to do time for sure…I’ll do everything I can to make that he’s housed safely,” says Michaels.

He says the decision to appeal the sentence is up to Hodson.