tps boardIt’s time to pay up for Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier.

Gauthier pleaded guilty to discredible conduct last week, in relation to two traffic violations against a former city councillor.

Because of it, he must pay out legal fees from his own pocket.

“He’ll be reimbursing (the Timmins Police Services Board) for the small amount that was paid in 2014, for the Police Service Act hearing in the next couple weeks, and then he’ll be responsible for the large portion of the cost in 2015, which are going directly to him, not via the Police Service Board or Police Service,” said Timmins Mayor and TPS Board Chair Steve Black.

“They’re his own personal, legal costs now.”

This story has had plenty of traction over social media throughout.  Black says most of the feedback he’s gotten is how the case has been “dragged out for so long” over a minor issue, and there had been costs involved.

The issue being former city councillor Gary Scripnick going to Gauthier to cancel out two traffic tickets given to him for going through a red “malfunctioning” light.

Black says he’s glad the hearing is over with, but knows there will always be naysayers.

“Obviously, you’ll have those who, for whatever reason, dislike the Police Service or the Chief of Police and have their own personal issues who continue to make those arguments and want to push,” he said, “Or maybe they don’t have the full background information and they’re only going off some of that social media hype that’s out there.”

“They don’t know the full facts behind the situation and what actually happened but, everyone here at the board continues to have full support of our Chief of Police.”

For now, Gauthier will have a sentencing hearing in June.