Police association head staying on despite charges

The head of the Ottawa Police Association (OPA) says he's not stepping down despite criminal charges filed against him this week.

OntarioProvincial Police charged OPApresident Matt Skof Wednesday with breach of trust and obstruction of justice.

"I have cooperated fully with the OPP and will continue to do so as this matter moves forward," Skof wrotein a statement to members Thursday afternoon. CBC News obtained a copy of the statement.

In it, Skofnotespolice Chief Charles Bordeleauhas formally suspended him even though he was already on leave from the force.

"While technically I am still an employee of the service, the collective agreement provides full release for a number of sworn and civilian members to fulfill their representation responsibilities with the OPA. The chief is aware of this, but persists in taking this step," Skof said.

No details on charges

OPP haven't explained why Skof was charged, but his arrest cameafter Ottawa police requested the provincial force's help to investigate the source of an unverified audio recording containing allegations against West CarletonMarch Coun. Eli El-Chantiry.

El-Chantirywas the head of the city's police board at the time of the recording.

The recording, which was posted online in mid-2018, contained unsubstantiated claims about alleged criminal activity involving El-Chantiry. One of the voices on the recording also appeared to discuss sensitive details of an ongoing police investigation.

Skof said his priority remains servingOPA members.

"The Ottawa Police Association is a separate and distinct organization from the Ottawa Police Service. It has its own interests which, from time to time, can be in conflict with the Chief and the Board," he wrote.

Skof thanked members who havereached out to offer their support, and vowed to continue working on issues affecting them.