WORKER FRAUD ALLEGED

HALIBURTON — Two former employees face fraud charges after a four-month police investigation.

OPP with the Haliburton Highlands detachment said today that they began an investigation on Dec. 14, 2019, regarding a possible fraud at a local business.

The business’s general manager contacted police after alleged inconsistencies were noted with financial documents and invoices.

As a result of the provincial police investigation, two employees of the business have been charged:

Stephanie Blackett, 39, of Minden Hills Township was arrested and charged with:

  • Fraud under $5,000 – 10 counts
  • Use, deals, acts on forged document – 10 counts

Jessica West, 32, also of Minden Hills Township, was arrested and charged with:

  • Fraud under $5,000 – 21 counts
  • Make forged document – 21 counts

The two are to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Minden on July 8, 2020.

The business reported inconsistencies in invoices and other financial documents, say police.