An Ottawa police officer pleaded guilty to misconduct for donating money to fundraisers in the "Freedom Convoy" during demonstrations in downtown Ottawa.

Christina Nelson pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct under the Police Services Act on Thursday. According to the agreed statement of facts, Nelson donated $55 through the "GoFundMe" program on January 23, two days after vehicles began arriving at the parliamentary area as part of protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and public health restrictions.

On February 4, "GoFundMe" removed the fundraiser from its platform, citing a violation of their terms of service, and refunded or froze all donations. On the same day, former leader Peter Sloly described the protest as "illegal."

The agreed statement of facts says that "GoFundMe" returned the donation to Nelson; and on the same day, Nelson donated $55 through the GiveSendGo fundraising campaign.

This donation was returned on March 25. In February, the Ottawa Police Professional Standards Unit was alerted that Nelson had donated to the Freedom Convoy via the "GiveSendGo" program.

An investigation was launched in the Professional Standards Section. The officer admitted to the donation during the Professional Standards Unit investigation.

Nelson was appointed by the Ottawa Police Service in August 2012 and has no prior record of misconduct. Sentencing will be issued later.              Edited by: Yusra Bamtaraf