REGINA — A former police sergeant was sentenced for his crimes Friday while the force’s chief promised better oversight on a database he used to find, date and deceive vulnerable women in Regina.
Robert Semenchuk was handed a conditional sentence of two years less a day, to be served in the community, followed by three years’ probation.
“His conduct … was illegal and immoral,” Judge Marylynne Beaton told court.
“Many of the victims spoke of a significant loss of trust, in personal relationships and with the Regina Police Service.”
The 53-year-old pleaded guilty last year to breaching trust and using a computer for unauthorized purposes.
Court had heard he used a police computer system over eight years to contact 33 women. He reached out to them using fake names while pretending he didn’t know who they were.
Semenchuk has apologized for his actions. “I am truly sorry,” he told a hearing two weeks ago.
Police Chief Lorilee Davies told a news conference Friday the force has implemented measures to ensure officers aren’t abusing the database.
She said police plan to install a feature in the system that would require officers to state why they’re using the database. The measure will assist with audits, which are to be done every month at random, she said.
“We know we have much work to do to regain your trust, if ever, and I can assure we’re deeply committed to this work,” Davies said.
Police began addressing oversight issues after a different officer was found to be using the database for personal reasons. The officer was penalized for one day without pay and required to retake privacy training.
In the case of Semenchuk, court heard he began accessing records in 2011.
Davies said police did not have effective oversight procedures at the time.
“He was very sneaky about it,” she said. “It’s not an excuse, but he was very clever in the way that he tried to conceal his crimes.”
At his previous hearing, Semenchuk sat expressionless while women testified about how he abused his authority to form romantic relationships with them. They spoke of being conned and said his actions left them feeling used, distressed and mistrustful.
In the courtroom Friday, some women expressed displeasure with the judge’s decision.
After reading the victim surcharges Semenchuk must pay, the judge asked the lawyers, “Have I missed anything?”
A woman said, “Yes you have,” before proceedings adjourned.
While leaving the courtroom, another woman expressed her disgust.
“You screwed over my mother pretty hard, buddy,” she told him.
The victims’ names are covered by publication bans, though others have decided to go public and their identities are not subject to such bans.
Bridgette Cyr, one of Semenchuk’s victims, told reporters outside court she had hoped for a tougher penalty.
“We were victimized, we were stalked, we were taken advantage of,” Cyr said. “We have ongoing issues with our self-esteem and … how stupid was I to let this happen to me. And this is going to continue.”
Kerry Benjoe also told reporters she finally has closure, but understands why others are upset with the decision.
“These are men in positions that are tempted to use the resources that they have,” she said.
“There has to be checks and balances for everyone here, everyone working in this position so that people like me, people like Bridgette, people who have gone to the police for support are no longer re-victimized.”
The Crown and defence lawyers had jointly recommended the sentence that the judge ultimately decided to go with.
Defence lawyer Nick Brown told reporters outside court he accepts the decision.
“We’re not trying to downplay in any way the seriousness of the breach and the impact on these women’s lives,” he said. “But at the end of the day, this is a decision that must be based on those principles and not on public reaction, unfortunately.”
Court heard Semenchuk struggles with mental health issues, which likely contributed to his actions. He is also seeing a psychiatrist.
Semenchuk grew up in Regina and has two children. He has separated from his spouse and now works for an insulation company.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2026.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
