Image Credit: (CREDIT/www.kamrail.com)
July 31, 2013 - 5:09 PM
KAMLOOPS - A former Kamloops city councillor and treasurer for the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society is facing multiple charges of fraud, theft and breach of trust following an investigation into the misappropriation of heritage rail funds.
Joe Leong faces two counts each of fraud, theft over $5,000 and breach of trust for offences dating to Feb 10, 2011 and March 26, 2012.
Suspicious transactions were brought to light by the board in 2012 when a new treasurer took over for Leong on the society's board. The board was in the midst of changing over at the time.
The City of Kamloops initiated an audit of the society and an RCMP investigation was launched into the matter.
The 2013 season of the 'Steam Locomotive 2141' was ultimately cancelled for the year. The society cited mechanical issues.
The city recently commited to paying $54,000 to the society for renovations to the train.
Leong will appear in court at a date to be determined.
To contact a reporter for this story, email: jwallace@infotelnews.ca, call: (250) 319-7494 or tweet: @jess__wallace.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013