THUNDER BAY - The former deputy chief of the Thunder Bay Police Service testified to Thunder Bay Police chief, J.P. Levesque’s reputation, and also revealed city manager, Norm Gale, was informed of an extortion investigation involving mayor, Keith Hobbs.
On Tuesday during day two of Levesque's trial, retired deputy chief, Andy Hay, took to the stand where he said shortly after a meeting on Dec. 14 between himself, Levesque, then deputy chief Sylvie Hauth, and RCMP Cpl. Ron Miller, to discuss a complainant who had come forward with information about Hobbs allegedly attempting to extort former Thunder Bay lawyer, Alexander Zaitzeff, that Levesque met with city manager, Norm Gale, to discuss the situation.
“I think the situation was very unique,” Hay said, referring to the situation between Hobbs and Zaitzeff. Hay added that he was not surprised that Gale was informed of the situation.
In court on Monday, it was revealed that Levesque allegedly told Hobbs he was the focus of an extortion investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police. Levesque also informed Thunder Bay Police Service Board chair, Jackie Dojack of the investigation.
Hay added that the information provided to Gale was on a confidential basis, who he described as “quite upset” about the allegations against Hobbs.
At that meeting, Hay said Gale also revealed Hobbs had contacted the city solicitor, claiming that Zaitzeff was extorting him.
During cross-examination by Levesque’s attorney, Brian Gover, Hay was asked if he believed Levesque would ever do anything to interfere with an investigation or put a witness at risk.
“No,” Hay said. “He would not.”
Hay was also asked about the relationship between Levesque and Hobbs and if they had the type of relationship that would lead Levesque to inform Hobbs of a possible investigation.
“No,” Hay said. “That type of relationship did not exist. Hobbs was not a confidant.”
Gover then asked Hay if he recalled a conversation between himself and Levesque during a retirement party at his residence regarding the issue, in which Levesque told him he informed Hobbs of the investigation and Hay is said to have replied: “It had to be done, J.P.”
Hay said he did not recall that conversation and that it seems like something that would have stuck with him.
“I’m not saying that didn’t happen, but it doesn’t resonate with me,” he said.
Hay went on to say that Levesque had a strong reputation in the policing community, both in the city and the province.
“He is the most honest and moral person I know,” he said.
Third RCMP officer ‘shocked’ after learning of ‘information leak’
During the morning session, a third RCMP officer said he was concerned about a possible leak out of the Thunder Bay Police Service that could compromise an extortion investigation involving Hobbs.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Norm Roy said from the stand that he was concerned after fellow RCMP Const. Daryl Waruk informed him that two Thunder Bay Police officers contacted the RCMP saying Hobbs knew about a complainant coming forward with allegations he was attempting to extort Zaitzeff.
“I thought they had a major leak,” he said. “I was concerned the investigation was compromised and should go to another agency.”
Roy, along with Waruk, and Cpl. Ron Miller contacted Levesque by phone on Dec. 22, when they learned Levesque was the one who informed Hobbs he was the focus of an extortion investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police.
Roy said he was shocked the chief provided that information to Hobbs, but during cross examination, Frederick Schumann, who is also representing Levesque, questioned his use of ‘will-say’ notes during parts of his testimony, which were compiled in April.
Counsel for the prosecution, Jason Nicol, objected to the line of questioning, saying the witness should not be subjected to questions about the rules.
“If it’s a problem, it’s my problem,” he said.
While on the stand, Roy also described an encounter he had with Hobbs during the reopening of the Veterans Affairs office on Jan. 26. According to Roy, Hobbs, who was sitting behind him, said he couldn’t believe Roy believed the story from “that guy.”
Roy responded by telling Hobbs that he does not discuss investigations in a public place. Hobbs then said Roy would be named in his lawsuit.
“It took me off guard,” Roy said. “His actions were not very professional.”
The trial against Levesque, who pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust, will continue on Wednesday. Acting Thunder Bay Police chief, Sylvie Hauth, is expected to testify. Norm Gale is expected to testify later in the week.
