Const. Kristina Neilson pleaded guilty to a single charge of disparaging behavior under the Police Services Act last month. In a decision released Friday, Neilson was ordered to forfeit 40 hours of pay and participate in a Restorative Justice process as approved by the Ottawa Police Service’s Professional Standards Unit. According to the agreed statement of facts, Neilson donated $55 through GoFundMe on Jan. 23, two days after vehicles began arriving in the Congressional District as part of the protest against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public health restrictions. On February 4, GoFundMe removed the fundraiser from its platform, saying it violated its terms of service, and returned or froze all donations. On the same day, former Chief Peter Slowey called the demonstration an “unlawful occupation”. The agreed statement of facts says GoFundMe returned the donation to Neilson. and on the same day Neilson donated $55 through a GiveSendGo fundraising campaign. This donation was returned on March 25th. In February, the Professional Standards Unit of the Ottawa Police Service was notified that Neilson had donated to the Freedom convoy through GiveSendGo and launched a Professional Standards Division investigation. The officer admitted donating to GoFundMe and through GiveSendGo during the Professional Standards Unit’s investigation. Nilsson joined the Ottawa Police Service in 2012. Nilsson previously served 12 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Master Marine. Const. Neilson had no prior record of documented misconduct. Both the prosecution and Neilson’s defense recommended a sentence of 40 hours of salary forfeiture and participation in a Restorative Justice process. The sentencing decision notes, “Neilson’s misconduct is limited to her small monetary donation to Freedom Convoy, and there is no evidence of actions beyond a monetary contribution.”
