No resolution yet in investigation of former MLA

Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

By James Mallory

An investigation involving a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nepisiguit is still in the hands of a Crown prosecutor in Quebec.

Frank Branch has been under investigation for alleged misconduct during his time as manager of the North Shore Forest Products Marketing Board.

Inspector Eugene Poitras of the Bathurst City Police said Monday that Crown prosecutor Paul Roy is still studying the information gathered. He said the officer in charge of the file, Constable Andre Comeau, and Mr. Roy were in recent contact to discuss the case.

The investigation was launched on Jan. 6, 2006 by the Bathurst City Police. In the summer of 2007, police handed the file over to Crown prosecutor Roy. The job of Mr. Roy was to review the file and determine if any charges were warranted.

Mr. Branch, who was a Liberal MLA when news of the investigation broke, has steadfastly maintained his innocence.

His only public comments on the matter were made in the Legislature, where he indicated he believed he was the victim of someone trying to frame him, via various allegations.

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