The RCMP/HRP Financial Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division has charged a woman for defrauding a parish in West Chezzetcook of over $250,000.
On July 26, 2019, police received a complaint from the public regarding financial irregularities at a parish in West Chezzetcook. The complaint prompted an internal investigation by the Archdiocese of Halifax / Yarmouth who provided their findings to police in December of 2020. Police determined that suspected frauds were being committed by the bookkeeper of a parish in West Chezzetcook. Police gathered information and evidence as part of a long-term investigation and determined that, between July 2008 and January 2020, a 47-year-old woman committed frauds in excess of $250,000. The woman used her position as the parish’s bookkeeper to access funds from the parish’s bank accounts for personal use and established recurring payments made to various establishments offering products and services within Nova Scotia.
On March 17, 2022, police arrested Patricia Dixon, 47, of East Chezzetcook and she has been charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000 (3 counts);
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (3 counts);
- Trafficking in Identity Information;
- Identity Fraud;
- Falsification of Books and Documents; and
- Uttering Forged Documents.
Dixon was released from custody on an appearance notice and will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on May 3, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation is ongoing, police continue to gather information and evidence.
Source: Release