Durham police lay charges in alleged $700K fraud involving female hockey league
Durham police have charged a suspect in connection with an alleged fraud that saw some $700,000 transferred from the coffers of a women’s hockey league over several years.
The Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation in December 2020 after receiving reports about “irregularities” in banking transactions for the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL).
Police said Friday that a “comprehensive” investigation analyzed several years of the league’s financial statements and found that more than $700,000 of league funds were transferred from the LLFHL’s bank accounts to various other accounts between early 2017 and 2020.
Investigators did not say whether the funds were directed toward any particular purpose.
“The suspect was employed as the league administrator and treasurer, whose duties included managing the finances of the league,” police said in a release.
Investigators said Friday that 56-year-old Sonya Spicer (Schram) of Whitby has been charged with fraud over $5,000; possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and obtain by false pretence over $5,000.
She was released on an undertaking.
The Lower Lakes Female Hockey League had operated under the Ontario Women’s Hockey League but is no longer active, police told CP24.com. While their website remains up, there is no current content.
None of the funds have been recovered to date, police said.
Durham police told CP24.com that the investigation remains active.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.