Battleford Court of Queen's Bench. (File photo/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fraud

Former GM of Clearwater River Dene First Nation enters guilty plea to fraud

Mar 19, 2022 | 8:00 AM

A man responsible for defrauding a northern Saskatchewan First Nation, while employed as their general manager, has been placed on probation for 30 months and ordered to pay back $13,000.

Jonny Cheecham appeared Friday afternoon at Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford, and entered a guilty plea to a single count of fraud over $5,000. At the time of his arrest in 2020, Cheecham was 61.

The case itself dates back to July 2014, when La Loche RCMP received a report of fraudulent activity committed by Cheecham between 2008 and 2011.

The Prince Albert RCMP General Investigation Section and the La Loche RCMP Detachment conducted a thorough investigation, which included numerous interviews and a forensic audit. The audit revealed over $1 million in losses to the Clearwater River Dene First Nation.

In addition to the $13,000 restitution order, conditions of Cheecham’s probation also include living at an approved residence, abiding by a curfew for the first 12 months, and community service.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow