“It’s so highly irresponsible”: Crown lays out closing arguments at fraud trial
The words irresponsible, unreasonable and dishonest were mentioned multiple times Friday during a hearing at Prince Albert Court of Queen’s Bench, to describe the alleged actions of a former Saskatchewan First Nations Chief.
Napoleon Mercredi, who was chief of Fond Du Lac First Nation from 2009 to 2011, is on trial for charges of fraud, theft over $5,000 and breach of trust.
Crown lawyer Darren Howarth spent over six hours laying out his reasons why Mercredi should be found guilty. Among the 18 points discussed by Howarth were how Mercredi allegedly pocketed $280,000 of band money which would have otherwise gone to economic development, to assist the band’s fire fighters, or for band emergencies. This money was on top of what Mercredi was receiving for travel allowance and salary.
“It’s so highly irresponsible, it’s fraudulent,” Howarth said.