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Chauvin court date set

After several delays an RCMP officer will be sentenced on sex charges

Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 11/00) - An RCMP officer will be sentenced next week for sex-related charges against young boys after 15 months of stalling, ruled the Supreme Court of the NWT.

Michael Chauvin was charged in August 1999 with three counts of sexual assault between 1989 and 1997 when he served as an RCMP officer in Yellowknife, Lutsel K'e and Fort Smith.

"In my view there has been an unacceptable delay in these charges," Justice J.E. Richard said Thursday when lawyers asked for another adjournment.

"He was charged 15 to 16 months ago and it really has not progressed in that time frame."

Chauvin's lawyer Andy Maher asked for an adjournment until January when the results of an RCMP initiated psychological assessment will be available.

"I am not satisfied the accused has been diligent in acquiring information," he said. "So, the application for further adjournment is denied."

Maher said the assessment is a relevant study done by a psychologist that may determine if Chauvin does exhibit certain characteristics of a sexual predator.

"He is a desperate man and is clinging to a little bit of hope," he said.

Chauvin was an 18-year veteran of the RCMP when he was charged. He has been suspended with pay since August 1999.