OTTAWA — Fraud charges against the military’s chief justice have been dropped because the military’s justice system was unable to find an impartial judge to try this “extraordinary and very rare” case.
“This dossier clearly demonstrates that the military justice system as it stands is not robust. Especially not when it’s administered in a malicious way. This case will clearly be used in law schools as a great example of what not to do,” Chief Military Judge Col. Mario Dutil’s lawyer told the National Post.
“I do not think that the military justice system has grown or evolved with this case,” Philippe-Luc Boutin continued, adding that his client is relieved that the charges were dropped.
In January 2018, Col. Mario Dutil was charged with willfully making a false statement in a document signed by him, fraud, committing an act of a fraudulent nature and conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline.
At the heart of the case were allegations he had a consensual but inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, as well as claiming over $900 in travel expenses using false information.
At the time, military prosecutors decided to try the case in the military justice system rather than through civilian court.
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