THUNDER BAY – Suspended city Police Chief J.P. Levesque was not present as the criminal charges against him made their first court appearance.
Charges of obstructing justice and breach of trust were laid against the Thunder Bay Police Service chief last month by the OPP after the provincial police investigated allegations Levesque disclosed confidential information related to Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs last December.
Levesque did not appear in person at the Thunder Bay Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon and was instead represented by lawyer Fredrick Schumann.
The Crown prosecutor estimated about 95 per cent of the disclosure of evidence has been provided to the defence. An out-of-town judge will be required to be brought in for a future judicial pre-trial, which is expected to take place in the coming months.
Lawyer Brian Gover released a statement after the charges were laid, describing Levesque as “a person of outstanding good character.”
“He is known in Thunder Bay, the surrounding area and throughout the policing community as a thoughtful, progressive and compassionate leader,” Gover said.
“As a police officer, Mr. Levesque has served the people of Thunder Bay in an exemplary manner for 30 years, including as chief of police since July 2011. Mr. Levesque looks forward to fully responding to the allegations against him, and to his ultimate vindication.”
The OPP began an investigation against Levesque in January at the request of the RCMP. The five-month investigation culminated on May 23 when the charges were announced. Levesque was placed on administrative suspension by the police services board two days later.
The charges have not been proven in court.
The matter will return to court on July 18. Levesque is not in custody.
