A man charged with impersonating a soldier on Remembrance Day could face more charges as the investigation continues, Ottawa Police say.
Franck Gervais, 32, of Cantley, Que., was charged Saturday with four offences, including "personating a public officer" and unlawful use of military uniforms.
Ottawa Police said Sunday that their investigation is ongoing and Gervais could face more charges.
"There are a lot of military and officers nationally that are very unimpressed with his actions that day," Ottawa Police spokesperson Chuck Benoit told CTV Ottawa.
The charges against Gervais stem from his appearance at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Gervais was dressed in full military uniform, including a chest full of medals.
A number of veterans spoke out after seeing Gervais give a television interview. They cited red flags including his beard, the type of beret he wore, and the positioning of the medals and badges on his uniform.
The Department of National Defence confirmed that Gervais is not a member of the Canadian military.
As part of their investigation, police are probing why Gervais represented himself as a soldier.
Veteran Dennis Sirman says it was "wrong" for Gervais to wear the uniform, "but I think this person had some personal problems."
Sirman added: "Does he know he's wrong? I think that's the question that has to be asked."
Another veteran, Jim Simpson, says he would not have charged Gervais.
"Some people have an urge for glory they don't deserve, but they have no way of getting it so they do false things," Simpson said. "I think that's what this guy did. He'll be embarrassed for the rest of his life."
But Ken Parker, president of the Strathcona Legion in Ottawa, called Gervais's alleged actions "unacceptable."
Ontario-based Potvin Construction, where Gervais has worked for the last 12 years, said Friday they were suspending him pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, Gervais was arrested and released over the weekend.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 9.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Claudia Cautillo
