A Brandon bylaw officer is facing multiple charges of fraud and breach of trust after allegedly pocketing surrender fees collected during his duties representing the city’s animal control office.
Brandon police said Thursday that the 57-year-old man, who has been on unpaid leave at his own request since late January, was involved in a number of incidents dating back to March of last year, in which he collected fees for surrendered animals, but never turned the funds over to the pound agent.
The amount of money he collected, police said, varied between $40 and $240 per incident.
The man, who had been in his position with the city for nine years, is now facing five counts each of fraud under $5,000 and breach of trust by an official. He will make his first court appearance April 24.
The city said a review of its processes has taken place and that its bylaw supervisor will examine animal control calls on an ongoing basis.