General Jonathan Vance has officially been charged by military police with obstruction of justice following allegations of sexual misconduct..Previously the Chief Of Defence staff, Vance was at the centre of scandal last year when allegations surfaced on Feb 2 2021 he acted inappropriately and multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, as first reported July 15 by Global News..Vance consistently denied any inappropriate behaviour and the allegations against him. At least two separate women in subordinate positions to Vance have come out with allegations. Global News says it has reviewed evidence corroborating the victim’s claim..During an interview regarding the allegations, Vance said he only knew one of the victims in a professional context. He denied any direct communication with her and suggested any sexual allegations could be falsified..According to Global News, Vance called back about two hours later to say he was “holding back” initially. He elaborated saying he did have a relationship with the victim outside of the professional environment but it was not sexual and he was simply a “supporter” of hers..Another victim reached out to Vance for career advice, and he responded by speaking about the prospect of going to a clothing optional vacation destination with her. Vance denied having any recollection of this exchange, but suggested if it did happen it was intended as no more than a joke and he would be willing to “apologize” if he did make the comment..The military announced its investigation into the allegations days after the initial report. According to court documents filed this week, Vance was charged with obstruction of justice..Vance’s case will be handled by the civilian court instead of the military police, as the latter handed the case over to civilian court. Vance is set to appear in court Sept. 17 2021..Military police allege in court documents that between Feb. 1 and Feb. 3 of 2021 Vance “did willfully attempt to obstruct the course of justice in a judicial proceeding by repeatedly contacting Mrs K.B. by phone and attempting to persuade her to make false statements about their past relationship to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), contrary to section 139(1) of the Criminal Code.”.When asked about the matter, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to comment, citing the matter is still before the court..The Department of National Defence commented on the matter via press release saying: “On 4 Feb, 2021, the CFNIS assumed investigative responsibility into allegations of misconduct. It was during the course of this investigation the obstruction of justice is alleged to have occurred..“Considering the specifics of the case and in the interest of justice with due regard to the limitations of the military justice system identified in the findings contained in the in the Third Independent Review Authority report, the CFNIS decided to pursue the relevant criminal charge in the civilian justice system..“As this matter is now proceeding through the civilian justice system no further details can be released at this time.”.In order to report an allegation of sexual or other misconduct, the claims must be submitted through the military chain of command..Jackie Conroy is a Reporter for the Western Standard.jconroy@westernstandardonline.com
