Rob Ford feels his name is cleared as OPP step back from ‘Project Brazen 2’

TORONTO – Rob Ford feels his name has been “cleared” now that the Ontario Provincial Police have stepped back from a lengthy criminal investigation into the Toronto mayor’s activities.

OPP spokesman Sgt. Pierre Chamberland says the provincial force is no longer overseeing the Toronto police investigation as no new information has come forward.

But Toronto police say “Project Brazen 2” is ongoing and the OPP are still involved.

Spokesman Mark Pugash says when the investigation is concluded, Toronto police plan to sit down with the OPP and the Crown to decide on next steps.

Ford says he knew all along he had done nothing wrong and the OPP’s latest comments help confirm that.

The OPP had agreed to oversee “Project Brazen 2” last month after a request from Toronto police Chief Bill Blair, who said he had asked for the assistance to avoid “distractions” that could hamper the probe.

Ford has publicly accused Blair of wasting tax money with the investigation, and has repeatedly challenged the chief to arrest and charge him.

The investigation arose last spring out of a year-long guns, gangs and drugs probe.

It was during the initial probe that police uncovered a video showing Ford apparently smoking crack cocaine, and decided to investigate his activities.