Judge sees nothing "sinister" in former cop's friendship
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 20/00) - A former RCMP officer was sentenced Monday to three-years in prison for sexually assaulting two teenaged boys he befriended.
Michael Chauvin, 40, appeared upset, but retained his composure as Judge J.E. Ted Richard sentenced him for offenses in Fort Smith in 1989 and Lutsel K'e between 1993 and 94.
"These boys were abused by him when he was a police officer, trusted father figure and guardian," the judge said.
"It is not unusual for RCMP in some Northern communities to become involved with young people in the community. I accept there was nothing sinister in that friendship."
Chauvin's lawyer Andy Mahar said that his client suffered silently for many years as he struggled to hide his homosexuality from others and himself. The 20-year police veteran pleaded guilty to performing fellatio on two boys while they were between the ages of 14 and 16. He had simulated anal intercourse with one 15-year-old.
"What happened to me was wrong," one of the abused wrote in a victim impact statement. "I trusted Mike and then he did this ... he abused me and I don't know why."
Judge Richard said that a police officer "should be seen to receive the same treatment as anyone else, not a harsher punishment and not a more lenient punishment."
As a former police officer, gay and serving a sentence for sexual abuse Chauvin is in danger from other inmates.
"It is not about fast-tracking him but finding a place that is suitable," Mahar said. "He shouldn't be harmed."
