On May 11, 2020, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with sexual assault contrary to National Defence Act, pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada. The charge is in response to an incident which took place in an Armoury in Toronto in 2015, however reported to the CFNIS in June 2018.
Sergeant Robert Kohlsmith, now retired, was a Reserve Force member with 25 Field Ambulance based in Toronto at the moment of incident, faces the following charge.
One (1) count of Sexual Assault contrary to section 130 of the NDA, pursuant to Section 271 of the CCC;
On June 12, 2018, the Winnipeg Police Service received a complaint into an allegation of an offence of criminal nature which allegedly occurred at the Moss Park Armories in Toronto in May 2015. As a result of jurisdictional considerations, the investigation responsibility was transferred to CFNIS.
The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible court martial at a date and location to be determined. In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Quotes
"The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service to investigate all allegations of sexual assault to their fullest extent, regardless of when the offence is alleged to have been committed. This charge is the result of a thorough criminal investigation, and is indicative of our ongoing perseverance in ensuring that those who commit offences of this nature within the Canadian Armed Forces are held accountable for their actions under the law."
Lieutenant-Commander Bryan MacLeod, Acting Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service
Quick facts
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The CFNIS is a specialized unit established within Canadian Forces Military Police Group (CF MP Gp). Its primary mandate is to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to Department of National Defence (DND) property, DND employees and CAF personnel serving in Canada and around the world. The CF MP Gp and the CFNIS conduct police investigations independently, without interference and in accordance with the highest professional standards.
