OPP logo Ontario Provincial PoliceThe Ontario Provincial Police has charged one person following what they call a complex and unusual investigation into allegations of irregularities involving a local electoral candidate nomination process in Sudbury.

The investigation by members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch began in January.

61 year old Gerald Lougheed Jr is facing two charges including one count of Unlawfully Influencing or Negotiating Appointments.

He has a November court date and in a statement says he will be “vigorously defending” the charges.

Meantime, the government faced a barrage of questions on the matter at Queen’s Park today (Thursday), including one from Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

Deputy Premier Deb Matthews continually eluded to the police investigation.

Andrew Olivier alleges he was offered a job or appointment late last year to step aside for a preferred Liberal candidate during the lead up to last February’s by-election in Sudbury.