By Charlene Tebbutt

local fraud case

Little movement in local fraud case

Feb 8, 2019 | 5:15 PM

More than a year after a Prince Albert man was charged with fraud stemming from a two-year investigation by Waskesiu RCMP, there has been little movement in the case.

The case involving George Wilson was slowed by another investigation into alleged financial dealings at two local P.A. community groups.

Wilson was arrested in early January 2018 on charges of fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. The charges stem from a police investigation into financial irregularities between 2008 and 2015, while Wilson was in a position of financial authority with a Waskesiu-based non-profit organization.

At the time, Wilson, 68, was the manager of the Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce, which is a member of the Waskesiu Wilderness Region. Wilson’s charges relate to financial irregularities at the WWR.

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A year after charges were laid, no pleas have been entered, and Wilson’s defence lawyer is requesting more information in the case. Wilson is represented by local defence lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr., who argued in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Feb. 1 that the details contained in a separate Prince Albert Police file into Wilson’s work with community organizations in the city may be pertinent to the case.

Abrametz told the court that he’s only received one page of an audit report, much of it redacted, and is sure the P.A. Police file contains more information.

“My concern is I don’t believe the audit is there in isolation,” Abrametz said last week. “It’s got to be relevant, it has to be, and we’re maintaining that it’s got to be part of a larger police investigation.”

Crown Prosecutor Tyrel Taylor argued in court that all relevant documents relating to the Waskesiu investigation have been turned over to the defence. Taylor said in court that any work being done by the city police is related to a separate matter and have not resulted in charges.

In an affidavit, which has been obtained by paNOW, Wilson requested the file and information relating to an investigation by Prince Albert Police.

George Wilson outside of court. (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)

The Prince Albert Police Service, confirmed an investigation is ongoing. The P.A. Police were also involving in arresting Wilson on the RCMP charges out of Waskesiu.

Wilson’s affidavit charges that the P.A. Police are investigating volunteer work he did for the Carlton Park and East Hill community clubs, “and monies from the WWR that were paid into and out of the rink bank account.”

“I presume that nothing untoward was found, but since this audit was targeted at me, I am requesting a copy,” he said.

Wilson says the WWR began publicly accusing him of fraud and theft in December 2015. An email signed by WWR Board Chair Morris McLachlan said anomalies were discovered while finalizing the 2014-15 year-end report, and that the matter was turned over to RCMP and the P.A. Police.

In his affidavit, Wilson states he requested a forensic audit be conducted into the financial situation in January 2016 and again in September of that year.

Wilson also acknowledges in his affidavit a statement of claim the WWR filed against him alleging just over $90,000 was taken, but said he has defended the claim and nothing has happened since 2017.

Provincial Court Judge Earl Kalenith said last week that he wants to review the Crown’s information to determine what may be relevant. The case will be back before the court in early March.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt