Napoleon Mercredi was sentenced Friday at Prince Albert Court of Queen's Bench. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Former Sask. First Nation Chief, convicted of fraud, receives prison sentence and ordered to pay back $120,000

Oct 23, 2020 | 5:56 PM

Eight months after being found guilty of fraud, theft over $5,000 and breach of trust, Napoleon Mercredi was escorted from Prince Albert Court of Queen’s Bench Friday in a pair of handcuffs.

The 64-year-old has received a three year prison sentence and told to pay $120,000 in restitution.

During his two year term as Chief at Fond Du Lac First Nation (fall of 2009 to the fall of 2011), Mercredi has been held personally responsible for the misappropriation of $260,000 of band funds. That includes $29,000 for a truck, which will also be turned back over to the band.

The verdict was read last February and it has taken roughly eight months for the sentencing hearing to take place. Justice Gary Meschisnick called the crimes “unacceptable” and “selfish.

“Mr. Mercredi has expressed remorse for his crimes although the strength of that apology is somewhat weakened by his sentiment that he was only doing what others did before him,” he said.

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Noting Mercredi was in a position of breach of trust, Meschisnick further denounced Mercredi’s conduct and told the court a sentence must discourage others from similar activities.

“Mr. Mercredi did not steal from strangers,” Meschisnick said. “He took funds that could have been used for important programs.”

Over a dozen Fond Du Lac band members were in court Friday for the sentencing including current chief Louie Mercredi, who declined to speak to the media and insisted no one take his picture. Mercredi’s lawyer Garth Bendig was asked about the possibility of an appeal.

“We’ve had those discussions. They are not solidified yet,” he said.

Bendig said his client was obviously disappointed with the sentence and did not expect to serve a term of incarceration.

Letters of support

Prior to sentencing, Justice Meschisnick reviewed three letters of support for Mercredi from band members. This included one from Mercredi’s brother Alex who stated that the misappropriation of funds had no impact on the band’s education department.

While acknowledging the importance of the letters, Justice Meschisnick said the content was not going to change his view on the outcome of the consequences.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell