The former Wing Commander from CFB Trenton pleaded guilty to charges in a Belleville court Thursday.
At the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse, Colonel Leif Dahl pleaded guilty on charges of public mischief and careless storage of firearms.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Quinte West OPP responded to the Murray Canal around 2:30 p.m. on Friday August 25, 2023, on a complaint of a firearm being discharged from a boat.
It was reported to police that wildlife was being targeted.
The boat left the area heading towards Presqu’ile Bay, but returned later in the evening into the canal, near the swing bridge by County Road 64.
The OPP talked with the boat’s six occupants, which included four minors. An employee of the lock system said she saw a long gun placed in the water and began videotaping.
Over the coming days, OPP dive teams recovered a revolver and a .22.
Dahl was charged with obstructing a peace officer, careless use of a firearm, using a firearm to carelessly hunt, hunting a bird without a licence, and unlawfully having a loaded firearm in conveyance.
In September 2023, Dahl was permanently removed as commander, with Colonel Leighton James replacing him.
On Thursday, he plead guilty to public mischief and careless storage of firearms.
During court proceedings, Col. Dahl provided a statement. The full statement was obtained by Quinte News.
I would like to thank the court for the opportunity to express my deep remorse. I made a mistake. I know that, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I also want to acknowledge that my actions as a senior member of the Canadian Armed Forces, caused distress and brought embarrassment not only to my family but also to the great Canadians that serve in our military as well as the broader Quinte community that has always been steadfast in its support of CFB Trenton. For that, I apologize. I, and I alone, bear responsibility for my misjudgement. I have and will continue to learn from this chapter as I move forward. I am eager to continue to serve Canada and Canadians as a productive member of society. Finally, I want to thank my family – my wife and four children – as well as my friends for giving me their love and unconditional support over these last difficult months. Thank you.
When asked by Justice John Bonn if he was continuing his service for the Canadian Armed Forces, Dahl said he would.
Crown prosecutors were seeking a suspended sentence of 18 months with probation, a weapons prohibition order except for when needed in the military, forfeiture of seized items and a $500 donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The defense agreed with the latter requests but were seeking a conditional discharge and 12 months probation.
Defense lawyer Brandon Crawford submitted letters of support from neighbors and colleagues of Dahl detailing the character of the former commander.
Ultimately, Justice Bonn went with the defense’s request citing the background of Dahl and his contributions to the military and the community as well as the letters of support.
Dahl was handed a conditional discharge and sentenced to one year probation as well as a weapons prohibition order, forfeiture of seized items and a $500 donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada.
He will have no criminal record once he completes probation.
Crawford spoke to media outside of the courthouse following the decision.
“Ultimately, we’re pleased with the disposition in the sense that Justice Bonn ultimately imposed the sentence that we proposed would be appropriate in the circumstances. Most importantly, Mr. Dahl is looking forward to putting this chapter behind him and getting on with his life.”
He also spoke about how ultimately the decision was the best for public interest.
“It’s in the public’s interest to impose the sentence, which is very much a reflection of the character that was put before Justice Bonn that Mr. Dahl has led and that he’s been an exemplary member of our community and an exemplary member of our service, protecting our country through years and years, which Justice Bonn really, really emphasized in sentencing.”
Crawford was asked about Dahl continuing to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“What you would have heard throughout the sentencing and in what would be evident is his service to this point has been exemplary and has been selfless,” Crawford told media members.
“He has given his life to protecting this country and that’s his intention to continue to do so.”
Crawford said he would not get into specifics on where Dahl would continue his military service.
The Crown declined to speak to media.
Former Commander of 8 Wing Trenton, Leif Dahl (r) with his lawyer Brandon Crawford (l) walking outside the Quinte Courthouse. March 21, 2024. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
