Ottawa mayor cleared of influence peddling

O'Brien was charged on Dec. 10, 2007, after allegations of influence peddling were made against him over his conduct in Ottawa's 2006 municipal election.

Terry Kilrea, O'Brien's opponent in that election, alleged that he was offered a chance to have his campaign expenses paid and to get help with an appointment to the National Parole Board if he dropped out of the mayoral race.

O'Brien was found not guilty of two charges:

• Pretending to have influence over the Government of Canada or a minister of the government in order to gain a benefit contrary to Sec. 121(d) of the Criminal Code.
• Soliciting, recommending or negotiating an appointment in order to gain a benefit, contrary to Sec. 125 of the Criminal Code.

Kilrea swore to the allegations in an affidavit submitted to the Ontario Superior Court and the trial began May 4.

"As you can all appreciate, this has been an emotional roller coaster. This has been a very difficult two years for my wife, my two children, my family, my ex-wife and her family and all of my friends and supporters and people in the city of Ottawa," O'Brien told reporters.

"I regret that we had to go through that. But, quite frankly, it was important for me to take this battle and have the truth come out so I can look my two boys in the eyes and say their family name is still what it was before."