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B.C. legislature clerk, sergeant-at-arms put on administrative leave

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B.C. legislature in downtown Victoria. (via Adrian Lam)

A special prosecutor has been assigned and the RCMP is conducting a criminal investigation into legislative clerk Craig James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz, according to Alan Mullen, special adviser to Speaker Darryl Plecas.

James and Lenz have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation. Both men were escorted from the building and will not be allowed to return until the investigation is complete.

Lenz heads security at the B.C. legislature.

James, who has been clerk since 2011, is the top administrative officer for the legislative assembly, responsible for its $70-million annual budget and procedural matters.

Government house leader and Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth read out the motion during question period and it passed. Farnworth would not comment on the investigation or the reason for the suspension.

In an interview with reporters, James said he was stunned by the investigation.

He said neither he nor Lenz have any idea what the investigation is about. Plecas asked Lenz and James to meet in his office after question period but was unable to give details on the focus of the investigation, he said.

“He looked quite distressed and wasn’t able to convey anything to me,” James said. “I asked him if it had to do with any member, any staff, is there a threat on this place, and he said none of the above.”

James said he and Lenz will be seeking legal advice.

“Somebody knows something and I think out of fairness, both Gary and I should have been informed before we were placed on administrative leave [about] exactly what it involves,” James said.

“I think it’s very unfair, very unfortunate and very disappointing. We have no idea what’s going on.”

— , , Times Colonist