RCMP have begun an investigation on the PMHA embezzlement case.
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May 22, 2014 - 12:28 PM
“IT’S LIKE A PUZZLE AND NOBODY’S BLEEDING.”
PENTICTON - As RCMP begin their investigation into the hockey association’s fraud case, they are not ruling out other possible suspects of the crime.
The late Sandy Elder is the main suspect for embezzling $315,000 from the Penticton Minor Hockey Association during her time as Treasurer on the association’s board. She held the seat from 2001 to 2013, when she died from cancer.
It wasn’t until after her death other board members became aware of the missing funds.
A forensic audit was done of the association’s finances, and RCMP just received the report and have yet to review it, said Cpl. Martin Trudeau.
He said the RCMP doesn’t know what kind of priority the case is going to take amongst other cases.
“These investigations take a long time because of record searching,” he said, adding the forensic audit is the investigation. Now police just have to determine whether anything can be proved.
RCMP have received anonymous tips from crime stoppers, but Elder remains the only suspect so far.
“I think it’s fair to ask if there is so much over such a long period of time, as appears to be the case, who else may have benefitted from the funds?” Trudeau said. “Was it solely Mrs. Elder or was there someone else?”
If RCMP find additional suspects, they can bring the case to Crown Counsel for criminal charges.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014