Durham Police – Bookkeeper Charged for Defrauding Family Operated Business
An Oshawa woman is facing fraud-related charges after DRPS Major Fraud Unit investigated allegations related to her employment as a bookkeeper.
DRPS conducted an investigation into the conduct of a bookkeeper/financial administrator who was hired by a small family owned deck and landscaping company located in Oshawa. Between November 2014 and August 2016, it is alleged the accused used her position to divert money from the business through various schemes and deceit.
It is alleged that over the course of her two-year employment she fraudulently obtained in excess of $130,000 eventually causing the company significant financial hardship and forcing the owner to file for bankruptcy. It is further alleged she laundered the proceeds obtained from this fraud by concealing funds through transfers, conversion to bank drafts and payments of personal bills.
Susan BENOIT-WASSON, age 45, of Oshawa is charged with: Fraud over $5,000 x5; Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000 x5; Falsification of Books or Documents; Drawing Document without authority and Laundering Proceeds of Crime. She was released on a Promise to Appear.
Durham Regional Police Service would like to acknowledge and thank the assistance of FINTRAC in this investigation.
Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Carriere of the Major Crime Unit at 905-579-1520 ext.5279.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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