Canada: Chief military judge charged with alleged fraud

The Canadian Forces National Investigative Service charged chief military judge Col. Mario Dutil on three counts.

He has been charged with fraud, willfully making an entry into a document and conduct prejudicial to order and discipline under the National Defence Act.

The offences have allegedly taken place between Nov. 2014 and Oct.2015. Dutil is the chief military judge since 2006.

The head of the investigate service said the rank of the accused would not be a factor in the course of the investigation.

Lt.-Col. Kevin Cadman's statement was quoted by CBC News: "Rank or appointment plays no factor in investigating the facts of the matter. We respect the judicial process and thoroughly investigate through gathering the facts, analyzing the evidence, and when appropriate, laying applicable charges."

Echoing the words of Cadman,  Commodore Geneviève Bernatchez, the judge advocate general, told CBC News: "Today's announcement serves to remind us that, as in the civilian justice system, no one is above the law."

She added: "The military justice system has the appropriate mechanisms to deal with this exceptional situation, fairly and in accordance with the law," she said. "I have every confidence that all actors of the military justice system will continue to perform their duties in a fair, independent and impartial manner."

(Reporting by Suman Das)