A former employee of the United Way of Chatham-Kent is expected to plead guilty in October for allegedly misappropriating agency funds.
Veronica Whittal , 48, of Tilbury, will make her next court appearance in Chatham October 11, 2024 to make her plea.
Whittal was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 five months ago.
Whittal's lawyer Ken Marley expects the matter to be resolved by October and expects to submit a pre-sentence report for the judge's consideration. Marley said sentencing will take place after the October 11th court date.
Chatham-Kent Police previously noted they started a fraud investigation on September 29, 2023 following a report of misappropriation of funds from the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
Police also said Whittal was arrested on February 2, 2024 after a "thorough investigation" that included analysis of records dating from October 8, 2021 to October 20, 2022.
Whittal was released with conditions.
In October 2023, CK News Today learned the local United Way was suing Whittal for nearly $300,000. Court documents filed in Ontario Superior Court showed the United Way is trying to recover $292,614.27. However, CK News has learned that lawsuit has since been dropped.
Whittal held various positions at the agency, including Coordinator of Finance and Administration.
The United Way has already said it has strengthened security protocols to prevent the opportunity for any future incidents.
