In a significant incident involving financial misconduct, Cape Breton Regional Police have charged a 57-year-old woman in connection with the alleged misappropriation of over $30,000 from the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association. This revelation comes after a complaint was filed in June, prompted by an audit conducted by the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia.
According to police reports, the investigation found that approximately $32,700 went missing during a period spanning from September 2024 to February 2025. This timeframe indicates that the financial discrepancies were identified several months after the funds were reportedly misappropriated. The police asserted that they were able to pinpoint one individual—a volunteer associated with the hockey association—who is believed to have been responsible for the missing funds, leading to her arrest.
As a result of the investigation, the woman faces serious charges, including theft and fraud exceeding $5,000. It is important to note that the allegations have not been proven in a court of law, and the accused is entitled to a fair trial. The legal proceedings are set to commence, with the woman scheduled to appear in court at the Sydney Provincial Court on December 15, 2025.
This case highlights significant issues of trust and accountability within community-based organizations, such as youth sports associations. The New Waterford Minor Hockey Association, like many similar organizations, relies heavily on the integrity of its volunteers to foster a safe and supportive environment for its young athletes. Incidents like this can undermine public trust and have lasting implications for the community and its sports programs.
The continuation of the legal process will determine the outcome of these serious charges against the woman. The police's diligence in investigating the matter following the audit reflects the importance of financial oversight in community organizations to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
