(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fraud case

Former Exec. Director of North Sask Special Needs enters guilty plea to fraud

Dec 7, 2022 | 4:00 PM

A former executive director of the NorthSask.Special Needs (NSN) Program Inc., a non-profit organization in La Ronge that assists individuals with disabilities, has entered a guilty plea to fraud.

Deri Ann Ratt, 38, was originally arrested in Sept. 2020. The guilty plea was entered when the case was most recently discussed on Dec. 5, at La Ronge Provincial Court.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 17, 2023, and Ratt’s other charges relating to possession of stolen property, and breach of trust will be discussed that day, as well.

It’s alleged over $120,000 was stolen from the organization that operates a day program in La Ronge, and manages residential care units for cognitively disabled adults.

The non-profit organization acts as a service delivery agent for programs funded by the health region.

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While it’s unclear how long Ratt worked for NSN, she spoke with larongeNOW as recently as Sept.10, 2019, when she discussed a break-in that had occurred involving computers, laptops, and tablets.

At the time the charge was laid, NorthSask Special Needs provided a statement, indicating their full cooperation and transparency with their funder and the authorities regarding the matter.

“NorthSask Special Needs will continue to focus our efforts on working closely with our clients, communities, staff, and funders to provide sustainable and quality services that meet the needs of the individuals, families, and communities we are committed to serving.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell