A former TTC officer convicted in a fake ticket-writing scheme is facing additional charges for allegedly harassing a former colleague and, in a separate incident, allegedly driving while impaired, the Star has learned.Michael Schmidt, 49, was convicted last June of obstructing justice and fabricating evidence for his role in a scam in which transit officers wrote fraudulent tickets to homeless people in order to make it appear the officers were working when they were not. Two other former officers were also convicted.In December, six months after his conviction, Schmidt was charged by Toronto police with criminal harassment and mischief under $5,000. The alleged victim is Joe Costa, who worked in the TTC enforcement unit at the same time as Schmidt and who is still employed as a transit special constable.On Jan. 8, a month after those charges, police arrested Schmidt in Barrie and charged him with impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle while his blood alcohol level exceeded 80 milligrams.Schmidt’s lawyer declined to comment on the allegations, and Schmidt did not respond to a note left by the Star at the Barrie address listed as his home. He was not on shift Monday when the Star phoned the downtown strip club where he now works as a doorman.According to court documents, Toronto police allege that on Dec. 10 Schmidt “engage(d) in threatening conduct directed at a member of (Costa’s) family,” which caused Costa to “reasonably fear for the safety” of the relative. The relative has been identified as Costa’s wife.Police also allege Schmidt obstructed Costa’s lawful use of his cellphone, which led to the mischief charge. A Toronto police spokesperson said the allegations involve Costa being contacted via text message.Schmidt surrendered to Toronto police Dec. 13 and was released after being charged, according to the spokesperson. Barrie police also released Schmidt after the impaired driving arrest.He is due in ...
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