A prominent B.C. Mountie accused of sexual misconduct has been suspended from the job.

Insp. Tim Shields, the former top media spokesman for the RCMP in B.C., was suspended with pay on May 19, according to Sgt. Rob Vermeulen.

Vermeulen would not reveal the reason for the suspension, citing privacy reasons, but said a Code of Conduct investigation is underway. He also stressed that suspension is an administrative step pending the outcome of the investigation, and not a disciplinary measure.

Lawsuits filed in 2013 and 2014 allege that Shields sexually harassed and assaulted two women, both employees of the RCMP.

In the most recent suit, Anitra Singh, who indirectly reported to Shields in her role as a communications advisor, alleged that Shields sexually propositioned her, exposed himself, and forced her to touch him in an inappropriate manner. The alleged incidents took place from 2009 to 2011.

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The allegations

•    Rape.
•    Unwanted sexual touching.
•    Physical assault.
•    Sexist comments.
•    Threats.
•    Gender discrimination.
•    Harassment.
•    Bullying.

Nearly 400 female RCMP officers and civilian employees from across Canada asked a B.C judge Monday to certify a class action lawsuit filed by Const. Janet Merlo over sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

“My name is on there, but there’s 400 ladies standing behind … from nine provinces and all the territories,” said Merlo, who is so far the only named plaintiff in a case that has been making its way through the courts for three years.

“It speaks to a problem that’s systemic and that’s nationwide,” Merlo said.