Ex- Regina police officer sentenced for using database to find, date, deceive women

REGINA – A former Regina police sergeant who used the force’s database to find, date and deceive vulnerable women has been handed a conditional sentence of two years less a day, to be served in the community.

Robert Semenchuk is also subject to three years’ probation after that.

“His conduct … was illegal and immoral,” Judge Marylynne Beaton told court Friday.

The 53-year-old pleaded guilty last year to breaching trust and using a computer for unauthorized purposes. He is no longer on the force.

Court has 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.

Two weeks ago, at a hearing to discuss what sentence would be appropriate, Semenchuk told court he was sorry.

“I just want to take this opportunity to apologize to everyone that was affected by my choices and my actions,” Semenchuk said at that time. “I am truly sorry.”

Defence lawyer Nick Brown has told court Semenchuk struggles with mental health issues, which likely contributed to his actions, and is seeing a psychiatrist.

Semenchuk grew up in Regina and has two children. He now works for an insulation company.

At the Jan. 23 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.

“He said all the right things and my worries melted away,” said one woman, whose name is covered by a publication ban. “I fell into his trap.”

She said Semenchuk told her that his name was Steve. “I believed I was in an exclusive relationship. But I know now he was married and seeing other women,” she said. 

“I never have or would I intend to engage in an intimate relationship with someone who was married, someone I knew to have multiple sexual partners.

“I thought I had found someone special … that maybe he was even the one. I feel so stupid now.”

Some women decided to go public with their names and their identities are not subject to publication bans.

Patricia Nichol said she now has a hard time trusting people or herself.  “What made you decide that I would be one of the conquests? What made you think that this was OK? And what was your endgame?” she told Semenchuk.

Kerry Benjoe told the hearing that Semenchuk used the name Jay, and they developed a friendship where she could depend on him.

Benjoe had lost her leg due to an old injury caused by an abuser, she said, and Jay would tell her she was beautiful. When Benjoe learned who he really was, she said it was devastating.

“You brought shame to the badge you swore to hold and honour. I once held you in very high regard and now all I have for you is pity,” she said.

Regina police were slated to hold a news conference later Friday. Police Chief Lorilee Davies has told court the force is appalled by what Semenchuk did and must now work to regain public trust.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2026.