THUNDER BAY - Thunder Bay police chief, J.P. Levesque, can expect to learn the judge’s ruling in his trial for charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust early in the new year.
A date has been set for Jan. 25, 2018 for the judge’s decision, which was agreed upon by Levesque’s attorneys, Brian Gover and Frederick Schumann, counsel for the prosecution, Jason Nicol, and Regional Senior Justice, Bonnie Warkentin.
Levesque was not present in assignment court on Monday, with Gover and Schumann calling in by telephone.
The six day trial against Levesque began on Dec. 4 and saw more than a dozen witnesses testify. Levesque was first charged with obstruction of justice and breach of trust last May and has since been on medical leave. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Throughout the trial, several witnesses testified that Levesque allegedly informed Thunder Bay mayor, Keith Hobbs, that he was the focus of an extortion investigation by the RCMP after a complainant came forward alleging Hobbs was attempting to extort attorney, Alexander Zaitzeff, into buying a house for then partner, Mary Voss.
Hobbs, along with his wife, Marissa Hobbs, were charged with extortion and obstruction of justice last July and Mary Voss is also facing a charge of extortion.
During testimony, Thunder Bay deputy chief, Sylvie Hauth and Levesque himself testified that the decision to inform Hobbs of the investigation was to protect Hauth and prevent the situation from leaking to the public or the media. Levesque described it as a form of risk management, and detailed the difficulties in dealing with Hobbs who he described as “unpredictable” and “verbally volatile.”
Nicol concluded his case by arguing that Levesque’s actions were a clear and overwhelming case of breach of trust, while Gover argued Levesque made no attempt to hide his actions, nor interfere or tamper with any possible investigation into Hobbs.
The verdict in the trial is expected to be read on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 10:00 a.m. in a Thunder Bay courtroom.
Complete coverage of Levesque trial:
Day 1: Levesque trial opens in court; Levesque told Hobbs he was subject of investigation: witness
Day 2: Former deputy police chief testifies during Levesque Trial
Day 3: Levesque told Hobbs about investigation to ‘protect me:’ Hauth; Dojack, Gale testify at Levesque trial
Day 4: Levesque told ‘unpredictable’ Hobbs about investigation to manage risk
Day 5: Levesque tried to bury Hobbs investigation: prosecutor charges
Day 6: Former police chief, Bob Herman, testifies at Levesque trial; Levesque trial concludes with closing arguments
