Official accused of fraudulent transactions with exchange program
A former Newfoundland school board official is facing fraud and related charges following an investigation into an international student exchange program.The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary launched an investigation last year after an agent that recruited Korean students to study in the province raised questions about transactions under the program.
Read the update: N.L. government accused of failing to act on complaints about student program
Lisa O’Neill sent Premier Danny Williams an e-mail in February 2007 to notify him of “serious wrongdoings within a leg of your government.”
Williams has said he didn’t see that e-mail, which was eventually directed to the Education Department.
Education Minister Joan Burke has said she discussed the issue with the Eastern School District in March 2007 and was advised that the board would resolve the matter.
But the issue wasn’t reported to police until September.
Gary Young of Conception Bay South is charged with three counts of fraud under $5,000, and one count each of forgery, influence peddling and breach of trust.
He will appear in court June 17.
-with a report from CP