Gerry Lougheed Jr To Make 1st Court Appearance

By Angela Gemmill

Gerry Lougheed Junior is scheduled to make his first court appearance today connected to the Sudbury by-election scandal.

The well-known local businessman and Liberal fundraiser was charged in September with Counselling an offence not committed and unlawfully influencing or negotiating appointments.

The police investigation was launched after former Liberal candidate, Andrew Olivier, said he was offered a jor or appointment to step aside for a preferred candidate in the February by-election.

Olivier recorded conversations he had with Lougheed and Ontario Liberal Chief of Staff Pat Sorbara, who was not charged.

In a statement, Lougheed said he would be vigourously defending the charges.

If found guilty, the charges could result in a five-year jail term.