A Brighton man faces fraud charges following an investigation into missing funds from the Presqu’ile Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Brighton Auxiliary Rescue Unit.
OPP launched an “extensive” investigation in January following fraud complaints from both organizations.
At the time, Dave Sharp, chairperson of the Presqu’le Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, told CHEX News he received an email from a board member about fraud totalling at least $55,000.
The non-profit group is responsible for refurbishing and restoring the historic 178-year-old lighthouse overlooking Lake Ontario in Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton. The restoration project, which started in 2013, is estimated to cost between $1.2 million to $1.4 million.
Sharp said the alleged missing funds would mean major setbacks for completing the restoration of the 69-foot high structure.
The Brighton Auxiliary Rescue Unit (BARU) is part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, which operates out of the Presqu’ile marina in Brighton. According to its website, the BARU is 100 per cent volunteer with 18 members and a board of directors.
Michael Nicholson, 40, of Brighton, has been charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust.
He will appear in court in Cobourg on July 25.