Ex-Thunder Bay police chief charged by OPP with obstruction, breach of trust
CBC
Ontario Provincial Police have charged a former chief of the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) as their investigation into the service brings forward more counts against current and former members of the force.
Sylvie Hauth has been charged with:
Hauth was suspended in 2022 after the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) brought misconduct charges against her under the Police Services Act. She retired in 2023 before those allegations could be tested in a hearing.
In a statement, Hauth's lawyer, Scott Hutchinson, said the OPP's decision to charge her was "both disappointing and regrettable."
"Chief Hauth is confident that the people of Thunder Bay will not rush to any judgment and will respect the presumption of innocence. She looks forward to her trial where she will present her defence. She is confident she will prevail," Hutchinson said.
Hauth is the third current or onetime member of the Thunder Bay Police Service who's been charged by OPP in recent months.
Earlier this week, the OPP said it had charged former Thunder Bay police lawyer Holly Walbourne with obstruction and breach of trust offences, and Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini was charged in December with assault, breach of trust and obstruction of justice.
Hauth's last year on the job was marked by intense scrutiny and pressure from multiple directions. It included:
Hauth has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Thunder Bay on May 7, the OPP said, and its investigation remains ongoing.
Current Thunder Bay police Chief Darcy Fleury and the Thunder Bay Police Service Board released statements on Friday afternoon.
Fleury said the force welcomed the investigation and has co-operated fully with OPP.
"It is another step toward resolution of this matter and our ability to wholly move forward as a police service," Fleury said. "It is my hope that community members will not allow the results of this investigation to overshadow the ongoing dedication and quality service provided by our TBPS.
"As the justice process is carried out, we will continue on our path forward, learning from the past in order to make the most of our future."
The statement from the oversight board "thanked the Ontario Provincial Police for its investigation" and said board members "remain seized with our mandate and collective responsibility to ensure the Thunder Bay Police Service is governed effectively so the city can have confidence in its police service.
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