THUNDER BAY — The former Thunder Bay Police Service chief facing obstruction of justice and breach of trust charges has made her first court appearance.
Counsel for Sylvie Hauth appeared in a Thunder Bay courtroom virtually on her behalf Tuesday morning.
The Ontario Provincial Police announced in early April that Hauth was arrested and charged with one count of obstructing a public or peace officer, one count of breach of trust, and two counts of obstruction of justice.
The charges follow a multi-year investigation by the OPP at the request of the Ministry of the Attorney General to look into allegations of misconduct within the Thunder Bay Police Service.
The investigation also resulted in charges against the former police service in-house lawyer Holly Walbourne, who was charged last month with obstructing a public or peace officer, breach of trust, and three counts of obstruction of justice.
Staff Sgt. Michael Dimini was charged by the OPP late last year with one count of obstruction of justice, two counts of assault, and one count of breach of trust.
The charges against Hauth allege she made false or misleading statements or statements with material omissions to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board between Oct. 8, 2021 and Oct. 19, 2021.
It is further alleged Hauth made false or misleading statements or statements with material omissions to external counsel of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission between November 2021 and June 2022.
During the brief court appearance on Tuesday, defence counsel advised the court they have received a significant amount of disclosure from the Crown, which has advised that additional disclosure is coming.
The matter has been adjourned to June 18.
Walbourne was erroneously listed on Tuesday’s court docket, but her first appearance is not scheduled until May 10.
