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Ottawa Chief Charles Bordeleau says he stands by his decision to temporarily promote a senior officer who is under provincial police criminal investigation.

Chris Rheaume is one of three senior Ottawa police employees who was implicated in allegations of evidence manipulation and fraud made by defence lawyer Michael Edelson in May. When Bordeleau received the allegations in writing, he asked for the OPP to investigate.

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But earlier this month, Bordeleau told the force that from July 22 to Aug. 13, Rheaume would assume the position of acting deputy chief, investigations and support — a role that puts him in charge of all local investigations.

“I stand by my decision appointing people in acting roles,” Bordeleau told the Citizen at a Police Services Board meeting Monday night. “I can’t comment on the investigation that’s going on right now, but I stand behind the decision I made.”

“It’s a three-week assignment.”