World News – CA – Richmond Hill City Councilor indicted after allegedly arranging for spouse to receive employee benefits

A councilor for Richmond Hill, Ont. was charged in connection with a fraud investigation.

According to the York Regional Police, an investigation into « fraudulent use of funds in connection with the employment of a councilor » began as early as July.

Police claim the city council hired an additional employee and then arranged for them to give the city council spouse part of their salary.

« It is believed that from August 2019 to May 2020, more than 21. $ 000 was paid to the councilor’s spouse, « police said in a press release released on Tuesday afternoon.

Richmond Hill-based Karen Cilevitz, 63, was found guilty of fraud by an officer in connection with the incident. $ 000 and breach of trust charged. Cilevitz was first elected to a Richmond Hill town councilor in 2014 and was re-elected for a second term in 2018.

Mayor Dave Barrow affirmed the charges in a statement, saying it was « important that the legal system determine the outcome of this case. « 

« City officials work with the police. According to the municipal law, the city councilor may keep her seat at this point in time. I want to reaffirm to residents that the city council is committed to the common good and we will continue to focus on helping our community come out of the pandemic strong, « he said.

« As this is an ongoing police investigation, the city will not make any further comments at this point. « 

A second suspect, Derek Christie, 59, was also charged with cheating on 5. Charged with US $ 000 and possession of the proceeds of a crime related to the investigation.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is being asked to contact the Financial Crimes Unit of the York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423. 6612 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Richmond Hill, Alderman, Karen Cilevitz, York Regional Police, vandalism