SFPS Deputy Chief Chris Kettyle
Smiths Falls Police confirmed Valley Heartland was allegedly defrauded of $693,000 over a period of more than eight years.
The dollar amount was included in Deputy Chief Chris Kettyle’s activity report at last week’s police services board meeting, which included a reference to a “significant fraud investigation,” in July.
Kettyle later confirmed in an email that he was referring to the Valley Heartland file.
The organization connects entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses in Lanark County and North Leeds with local resources and funding opportunities.
Former General Manager Tina Stevens was arrested in July following a lengthy investigation and was charged with one global count of Fraud over $5,000.
Story by Grant Deme