THUNDER BAY – Charges against city police chief J.P. Levesque arose from allegations he disclosed confidential information concerning Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs.
The court filing obtained Wednesday alleges the Thunder Bay Police Service chief, who has been charged with obstructing justice and breach of trust, “did wilfully attempt to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice by disclosing confidential information” concerning Hobbs between Dec. 14 and 22 of last year.
As well, Levesque allegedly “did commit a breach of trust in connection with the duties of his office” by being a police officer in disclosing the confidential information.
According to the OPP news release issued Tuesday, the provincial police were contacted by the RCMP in January to conduct “an external, independent and thorough investigation” after allegations of criminal wrongdoing were reported.
The ensuing five-month investigation resulted in the two charges, which have not been proven in court.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Thunder Bay Police Services Board said it had “limited information regarding the nature of these charges” and would not be commenting further publicly.
Levesque is currently on medical leave, the board confirmed on Tuesday.
"The public can be assured that the members of the Thunder Bay Police Service will continue to serve and protect our community," the statement reads. "We have full confidence in Deputy Chief (Sylvie) Hauth and our senior command staff to lead the TBPS through this challenging time."
Levesque was appointed police chief in July 2011.
