Wearing unearned military medals "despicable": Barrie Legion President

The presidents of Royal Canadian Legions in Barrie and Orillia reacted with shock and disappointment after the OPP charged a man with unlawful use of a military uniform.

"That's just despicable," said Phil George, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Barrie Branch 147. "We're disappointed that somebody would masquerade as a veteran with service."

"We're surprised and shocked that somebody would do that," said Rick Purcell, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 of Orillia.

62-year old Clayton Donoghue of Orillia is facing 10 charges including unlawful use of military uniform and possession of child pornography. 

On Monday, the Orillia OPP received a complaint regarding an individual attending local parades sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion wearing medals not awarded to him.

Police say the complaint came from representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces and subsequent allegations arose in relation to the Orillia legion. 

As a result of the information provided, the Orillia OPP Street Crime Unit arrested Donoghue.

Police also executed a search warrant at Donoghue's Mooney Crescent residence and a storage locker belonging to him. 

Several items were seized that had been worn by the accused while attending public parades and events, police said, adding they also located items related to accessing and possessing child pornography.

"There could be potential for more charges depending on expert examination of items that were seized," said Det. Sgt. Russell Watson, supervisor of the Street Crime Unit. 

Donoghue has been member of the Orillia Legion for four years after retiring as a 22-year Reservist, according to Purcell, who says the accused has marched in parades in Barrie, Orillia and at Base Borden.

The Legion President doesn't know Donoghue very well but says "he was a very strong worker for the legion."

"He did a lot of good things. This surprised us," said Purcell of both the child pornography charges and the allegations surrounding the medals. 

Wearing medals you're not entitled to wear cuts deep in the military and the public. 

"It's perfectly legal to own uniforms, be a collector or own medals," said Watson. "You can display them. You can have them — your father's or grandfather's medals.  You just can't wear them and say that they're yours."

Donoghue faces the following charges:

• Making a forged document (two counts)

• Using a forged document (two counts)

• Breach of trust

• Unlawful use of military uniform — wears a distinctive mark

• Unlawful use of military uniform — possession of a certificate

• Obstructing a public officer

• Possession of child pornography

• Accessing child pornography