West Nipissing Ouest – Sturgeon Falls, Verner, St Charles, Field and Area News The former manager of public works in West Nipissing was given a 12-month conditional sentence in Ontario Court of Justice on Tuesday.
Luc Rifou pleaded guilty before Judge Lawrence Klein of knowingly acting on a forged document and demanding a benefit of sponsorship.
The charges were laid in relation to the purchase of equipment for the municipality, as well as “secret sponsorships” for AA hockey and competitive fishing tournaments in the municipality.
Other charges, including two counts of fraud over $5,000, two charges of fraud upon government and breach of public trust, were withdrawn.
Rifou was charged in 2016 alongside two other men following an Ontario Provincial Police investigation into allegations of financial irregularities involving the municipality.
According to an agreed statement of facts presented to the court, Rifou, former West Nipissing director of public works Marc Gagnon and Steven Morrison, owner of MX Construction Inc., had a “close working relationship” that included text messages on their cellphones.
On at least one occasion, Rifou socialized with Morrison at Morrison’s residence.
By Nugget Staff
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 1:23:29 EDT AM
Read More Here: www.thesudburystar.com/2018/04/25/former-municipal-manager-in-sturgeon-falls-sentenced