Title: Navy Leaders Concerned About Media Exposure of Officer X

Navy officials expressed concerns about potential political repercussions if the media uncovered information regarding an alleged serial sexual offender known as Officer X. This information comes from internal records that detail discussions among senior naval leaders following an email from Lieutenant Patrick White on April 3, 2023.

In his email to Commodore Pat Montgomery, White raised alarms about Officer X, who has a documented history of sexual misconduct and assault against multiple victims. White emphasized the risk posed by Officer X's civilian job, which involves direct interaction with children. He urged naval leadership to take immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Documents from the naval reserve and the Department of National Defence indicate that military leaders were already aware of Officer X's troubling history, which includes multiple allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct dating back to 2006. In at least one instance, military police found sufficient evidence to charge Officer X with sexual assault, but the Royal Canadian Navy leadership opted not to pursue charges.

Montgomery expressed concern in a response to Captain Richard Jean that White might be gathering information to share with Officer X's civilian employer or the media. He noted, "This may be an unfounded concern but I have no idea what the legal impact would be. The political implications could be large, of course."

Jean, in turn, accused White of attempting to tarnish Officer X's reputation and suggested that the leadership respond to White by highlighting that an investigation had already taken place and corrective measures had been implemented.

The situation surrounding Officer X gained public attention when the Ottawa Citizen reported on it in March 2024, citing internal military documents and police investigations. White later testified before a parliamentary defense committee on April 17, 2024, alleging that navy leadership sought to cover up Officer X's actions. He stated that military police had concluded there was enough evidence to charge Officer X with sexual assault, but instead, the leadership decided he required mentorship rather than punishment.

Despite the serious allegations, Officer X remains in a leadership position within the navy. A spokesperson for the Department of National Defence, Andrée-Anne Poulin, stated that the department does not comment on speculation regarding alleged emails. She emphasized that the Royal Canadian Navy takes misconduct seriously and expects all members to adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

Neither Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the head of the navy, nor Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan commented on whether Officer X had acted in accordance with military values and ethics. White highlighted the importance of ensuring that Officer X is held accountable for his actions and that children under his influence are protected.

Records indicate that Topshee was approached multiple times by individuals concerned about Officer X, but no action was taken. White testified that those who attempted to report misconduct faced threats of severe repercussions, including charges of mutiny and treason, aimed at silencing them.

White had previously communicated with defense ministers Anita Anand and Bill Blair about Officer X's actions and the reprisals faced by those reporting them. He warned that efforts were underway to remove him from the Canadian Forces to prevent him from raising concerns.

In a previous statement, Topshee acknowledged that misconduct is unacceptable but did not clarify why Officer X received only mentorship despite numerous allegations over 14 years. Military documents revealed that a civilian investigation team found no action had been taken against Officer X, despite repeated reports to navy leadership about the allegations. The investigation noted that the allegations against Officer X spanned a wide range of misconduct, yet resulted in no disciplinary measures.