Langley RCMP says no incidents under investigation involving released sex offender between Aug. 12-17
In response to HighOnCity's questions about why a high-risk offender was released after arrest, RCMP says the decision rests with the BC Prosecution Service.
HOC Exclusive · reported in response to questions HighOnCity put to the office named above.
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Langley RCMP has responded to questions HighOnCity raised after reporting on a high-risk sex offender arrested twice in six days, clarifying that decisions about detention and release fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Prosecution Service rather than police.
When asked why Michael Carpenter was released following his August 12 arrest despite his high-risk classification, Sergeant Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP told HighOnCity to direct the question to the BC Prosecution Service.
Asked whether police were aware of any additional incidents involving Carpenter between August 12 and August 17 — the period after his first arrest and before his second — RCMP confirmed they are not aware of any.
The exchange underscores the division of authority in the criminal justice system: police make arrests and investigate crimes, but Crown prosecutors make decisions about bail, release conditions, and whether to proceed with charges. Those decisions are made based on factors including the severity of charges, criminal history, and perceived risk to the public.
The facts
Who decides whether a high-risk sex offender is released after arrest?
The BC Prosecution Service makes decisions about detention and release, not police. Crown prosecutors base these decisions on factors including the severity of charges, criminal history, and perceived risk to the public.
Were there any incidents involving Michael Carpenter between August 12 and August 17, 2026?
Langley RCMP confirmed they are not aware of any incidents involving Michael Carpenter during that period between his first and second arrest.
