The former BC legislature secretary, who was accused of spending money on the public purse, has been found guilty of fraud and breach of trust.
Craig James pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud in excess of $ 5,000 and three counts of breach of trust by a public official based on allegations of embezzlement arising from his time as secretary between 2011 and 2018. .
On Thursday, the judge found him not guilty of all other similar charges related to a $ 258,000 retirement fund and the use of a wooden logger.
Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes, of the BC Supreme Court, said James dishonestly described the clothes he bought as work clothes when he knew not.
Holmes said he violated the standard of conduct expected of a public official and that his purpose was dishonest to benefit.
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Read more: Crown has no evidence to prove the case against the former secretary of the BC legislature, says the defense
1:28 Notorious Focus of the Witness in the trial of the former secretary of the BC legislature Notorious approach of the witness in the trial of the former secretary of the BC legislature – February 2, 2022
Crown prosecutors argued during the trial that James used his position, which they compared to the legislature CEO, to take advantage of political weaknesses to get rich.
The defense, however, said James was transparent with each of his claims, which were overseen by multiple responsible individuals who only posed “a handful of questions” for half a decade and never filed a complaint.
Statement by @BCLegSpeaker, Hon. Raj Chouhan, following the sentencing of Associate Chief Justice Holmes of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. ⬇️ # BCLeg #BCpoli pic.twitter.com/p0He36UPqw
– BC Legislature (@BCLegislature) May 19, 2022
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