Theft charges laid on local accountant

Times Contributor

 

Strathmore RCMP has charged a local woman with theft over $5000, forgery and fraud, after over $100,000 went missing from the Strathmore Rural Fire Association funds. The woman had been the secretary/treasurer for 15 years. The theft of the funds occurred from 2007-2012. The RCMP conducted a six-month investigation into the missing funds.

“This money is gone,” said Lou Delgado, Interim President for the Association.

The theft has significantly affected the operational viability of the Strathmore Rural Fire Association. Delgado does not expect recovery of any of the funds. The hall faces loss of their equipment because they have a $7,200 monthly payment on their equipment and have no funds to make payment.

The first appearance of the woman is on Nov. 20, 2012 in Provincial Court. She will plead guilty or not guilty and then trial proceedings will commence. If found guilty, judge can decide on a sentence ranging between 6 months with a fine, up to 10 years imprisonment.

RCMP investigators suspect should she be found guilty, the charges will be significant.