Ottawa police have charged a man for allegedly impersonating a soldier at a Remembrance Day ceremony.
In a news release Saturday, police said charges have been laid following an investigation into allegations of a man portraying himself as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11.
Franck Gervais, 32, of Cantley, Que., has been charged with four offences, including "personating a public officer" and unlawful use of military uniforms.
Gervais appeared at Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa last Tuesday, dressed in full military regalia, but the Department of National Defence later said it has no record of anyone by that name.
Days later, Ottawa police said that they were launching an investigation after receiving “numerous inquiries” following an interview with Gervais that was broadcast on TV.
According to various media reports, a number of veterans and soldiers complained about Gervais after noticing several red flags including his beard, type of beret, and the positioning of medals and badges on his uniform.
Ontario-based Potvin Construction, where Gervais has worked for the last 12 years, said Friday they were suspending him pending further investigation.
Gervais was arrested, charged and released Saturday. He is set to appear in court on December 9.
