An Almonte woman has been convicted in connection with a major Ontario Disability Support Program fraud investigation.
Smiths Falls Police say Rachelle Primeau was convicted in Ontario Court in Perth in April on charges of fraud over $5,000 and uttering a forged document.
The investigation began after Ontario Disability Support Program staff flagged concerns about irregularities in financial support claims.
Program Integrity Analysts with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services reviewed the file and identified discrepancies that were then referred to the Smiths Falls Police Service criminal investigations unit.
Police say investigators determined Primeau falsely claimed to have a medical condition in order to receive additional ODSP benefits.
As a result, investigators say nearly $215,000 in public funds was improperly obtained.
Primeau was convicted of fraud over $5,000 and uttering a forged document and will return to court at a later date for sentencing.
Smiths Falls Police say the case highlights cooperation between local investigators and provincial program integrity staff in identifying and investigating alleged misuse of public funds.
