Pictou County volunteer charged after thousands go missing from N.S. premier's riding association
Premier initially reported theft to police on Oct. 7
A Pictou County woman has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's Pictou East riding association.
According to New Glasgow Regional Police, the 44-year-old was a volunteer treasurer for the Pictou East Progressive Conservative riding association and is alleged to have been withdrawing funds from the group's bank account over a period from 2016 to 2024.
In a release Wednesday, police said she has been charged with forgery, uttering a forged document, theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000.
A search of a residence on Oct. 11 yielded bank records, cash and mobile electronic devices, police said.
Houston told reporters at a news conference earlier this month that he first learned of the situation and contacted police on Oct. 7.
"I can't even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter," he said.
Riding associations are operated by volunteers and much of their money comes through donations and fundraising. That money can then be used for things such as promotional materials and elections.
At the time, Houston didn't say exactly how much money was missing from the association but said the total was in the thousands.
He said the person who was being investigated was not affiliated with the government and was no longer a party member.
The woman will make an appearance in Pictou provincial court on Dec. 2.
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