OTTAWA – Canada’s top military commander pleaded guilty Wednesday to obstruction of justice in connection with a military police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct while leading the country’s military.
Jonathan Vance, the former Chief of the Defense Staff, is one of several current and former Canadian military commanders under investigation for sexual impropriety. The growing scandal has undermined public confidence in the Canadian military.
In court documents, military police accused Mr. Vance, a retired general, who “deliberately” tried to obstruct justice when he repeatedly accused Maj. Kellie Brennan called and tried to persuade her to make false statements to investigators. Major Brennan has identified himself in media interviews and before parliament as one of the people who have filed complaints against Mr Vance. She testified to a parliamentary committee that Mr Vance is the father of two of her eight children.
After mr. Vance pleaded guilty to the Ontario Court of Justice, he was granted a parole, which will save him a criminal record on those charges. He was sentenced to 12 months probation and 80 hours of community service.
The court also ordered him not to have any contact with Major Brennan outside of family law proceedings regarding any of the children he fathered with her.
