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	Timeline: the Silmser Investigation Standard Freeholder February 27, 2008 http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=919237 In the coming weeks, the 1993 investigation by Cornwall police into allegations made by David Silmser of sexual abuse will be coming under close scrutiny at the Cornwall Public Inquiry. On Monday, it was revealed that the officer who conducted the investigation, Heidi Sebalj, is medically unable to take the stand at the inquiry. Yesterday, the commission received an 18-page document that outlines how Sebalj handled a nine-month investigation that ended with no charges being laid against the two alleged abusers, Rev. Charles MacDonald and probation officer Ken Seguin. The following dates are taken almost entirely from that document. January 1993: Even though she has only spent two months handling sexual abuse disclosures, Sebalj is assigned to investigate Silmser's allegations. Silmser complains that he would rather deal with a male officer, but the force decides to leave Sebalj in charge. February: Sebalj meets with Silmser throughout the month, with the hopes of getting an official statement from him. During one meeting, Silmser tells her that he called Seguin and that Seguin was "running scared." In another, he says the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese contacted him to discuss a settlment. She receives the written statement on Feb. 16. Sebalj also hears from MacDonald's lawyer, Malcolm MacDonald (no relation). He tells her his client is willing to take a polygraph. March: Silmser meets with Sebalj and Sgt. Ronald Lefebvre. Silmser says he can't handle pressing charges against both MacDonald and Seguin at the same time and wants to focus on MacDonald. He also tells Sebalj he wants to take a polygraph. Sebalj also meets with an alleged victim, C-3, who says he was abused by MacDonald. Sebalj is unable to convince C-3 to give a written statement. April: Sebalj meets with another alleged victim who says MacDonald touched his groin during a car trip. While he also declines to press charges, the man agrees to testify against MacDonald if needed. May-July: Sebalj is away from the office on training and holidays. August: Sebalj returns from her holidays and speaks again with Silmser. While he is in positive spirits, Silmser tells Sebalj he has no money and the church "would not help." She is contacted again by Malcolm MacDonald who says his client would prefer to be "escorted as opposed to being handcuffed" if arrested. Sebalj also has meetings with her supervisor, Sgt. Luc Brunet, to discuss her workload. Brunet tells her that the Silmser investigation must be dealt with as soon as possible. September: In a letter from Malcolm MacDonald, police learn that Silmser wants to "stop all proceedings" against Charles MacDonald. Sebalj unsuccessfully tries unsuccessfully to call Silmser; instead, she is visited by his sister Donna Jodoin, who reveals that her brother has accepted a $32,000 payout from the diocese. Police decide not to lay charges against Charles MacDonald. On Sep. 23, Sebalj is visited by Perry Dunlop, who asks to see Silmser's statement. Silmser also comes to visit her, and tells her face-to-face he no longer wants to pursue charges. Silmser also says he received a phone call from Dunlop's wife, Helen. November: Silmser again visits Sebalj and says he was contacted by the Children's Aid Society. Seguin commits suicide at his home in Summerstown. January 1994: Sebalj meets again with Brunet. She reveals to Brunet that Silmser was contacted by a reporter who got his hands on Silmser's police statement. She says the reporter also told Silmser he was being investigated for possible extortion charges. Silmser eventually files a public complaint against the Cornwall police for releasing his statement. June: An investigation exonerates Sebalj of any wrongdoing in connection with the release of Silmser's statement.
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