Three people, including one from Napanee, are facing charges related to the misuse of funds by the Highland Waters Métis Council in Lennox and Addington County.
In July 2022, an investigation commenced after police were contacted about the allegations in Northbrook, involving the Métis Council.
The Lennox and Addington OPP Crime Unit revealed that nearly $90,000 had been fraudulently used.
Seventy-nine-year old Robert Lloyd and 51-year-old Scott Lloyd of Addington Highlands, and 54-year-old Candace Lloyd of Napanee were all charged with fraud and theft over $5,000.
The accused are scheduled to appear in court July 18.
The Highland Waters Métis Council released this statement on the charges:
The Lennox & Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged three people with fraud and theft-related offences in relation to an investigation of misuse of funds.
In July of 2022, an investigation commenced after the police were contacted by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) about the misuse of funds by former members of the High Land Water Métis Council in Northbrook, Ontario. As has been reported, the investigation by the L&A County Crime Unit revealed that nearly $90,000 had been fraudulently used. The L&A County Crime Unit Charges have since been laid charges against three individuals. The three individuals charged are no longer involved in any capacity with Highland Waters Métis Council or the MNO.
The MNO and the High Land Water Métis Council are cooperating with the investigation. “We take our fiduciary responsibilities seriously, and we are cooperating fully and provided all information to the police to help them with their investigation,” said Jo Anne Young, Secretary-Treasurer of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “As soon as we became aware of irregularities, we contacted the OPP. The limited resources and funds are meant to better the lives of Métis citizens and communities, they are not meant for personal gain.”
As this is now a police matter, at this time the MNO and the High Land Water Métis Council will not be making further statements or comment on this subject.
