THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay's chief of police, JP Levesque, has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of breach of trust and obstruction of justice.
His lawyer says it's because Levesque wants to be vindicated as soon as possible, and because it's in the best interests of his client and of the community for the matter to be dealt with expeditiously.
During a court hearing on Wednesday, Levesque also elected a trial by judge alone.
The case will go to Assignment Court on September 18, when it's expected that a trial date will be set.
Levesque was charged by the OPP in May of this year, following a five-month investigation. According to court records, the charges are based on allegations that he disclosed confidential information related to Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs last December.
The chief, who is not in custody, was on medical leave at the time the charges were announced, and was subsequently placed on administrative suspension by the Thunder Bay Police Services Board.
