PEI

Harold Alan Stewart, P.E.I. Presbyterian minister, faces more fraud charges in Ontario

More charges have been laid against a Presbyterian minister from P.E.I. by Durham Regional Police in Ontario.

Police allege he befriended 89-year-old widow and used her credit card without her knowledge

In May church officials said Harold Alan Stewart would be on a leave of absence until the court matter was settled. (St. John's Presbyterian Church/Facebook)

More charges have been laid against a Presbyterian minister from P.E.I. by Durham Regional Police in Ontario.

The charges are in connection with an 89-year old widow from Oshawa, Ont. who was defrauded of thousands of dollars.

Harold Alan Stewart, 67, was first arrested on April 29 while on vacation in Ontario.

Police allege he befriended the elderly woman and used her credit card without her knowledge.

Stewart, who is a minister with the Kensington-New London pastoral charge, was first charged in  April with fraud under $5,000, unauthorized use of a credit card, and possession of stolen property.

Arrested again June 9

Durham Regional Police say Stewart was arrested again on Thursday, June 9, on four additional fraud-related charges.

Court staff say those new charges are fraud over $5,000, obtained by false pretense over $5,000, uttering forged documents and possession of property obtained by crime.  

They say Stewart has been released on $10,000 bail.

Back in court June 20

His next court date is June 20 at the Durham Region Courthouse.

When Stewart was first charged, Presbyterian church officials said he maintained the charges were false.

Court staff also note two other people, an Ontario man and woman, have now been charged in connection with the first set of charges against Stewart.