OTTAWA -- A Gatineau police officer accused of fabricating evidence and obstructing police has been placed on administrative duty.

Detective Sgt. Jean Lacasse, 44, faces charges of theft under $5,000, obstructing justice, obstructing police and fabricating evidence.

The charges come from an investigation Gatineau police launched in March 2011, after the force's professional standards and internal affairs unit was informed of "abnormal facts" about evidence related to a police operation.

"The police are not above the law," Gatineau Police Service director Mario Harel said in a statement. "We expect them to meet the highest standards of professional ethics, otherwise they will face penalties and justice."

Following an administrative investigation, police informed the ministry of public security of criminal allegations, which launched a criminal investigation.

Lacasse was arrested on Dec. 13, 2011, and was placed on administrative duties.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 19.