A former treasurer of the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association drained the organization’s finances by nearly $45,000 through unauthorized e-transfers over a seven-month period last year.
Cory Johnathon Smith, aged 37, faced sentencing in Esterhazy, Sask., located about 180 kilometers east of Regina, on Tuesday.
According to Crown prosecutor Fred Fisher, the non-profit group was left with almost no funds, causing concern among board members who feared the cancellation of the hockey season in Esterhazy.
To address the financial shortfall, community fundraising efforts were initiated, and town authorities were urged to temporarily waive ice fees.
The association expressed in a victim impact statement that the theft disrupted their operations, strained volunteer resources, and endangered programs for young athletes.
The embezzlement was uncovered when Glen Simon, the association’s president at the time, received alerts from vendors about unpaid bills. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the organization’s funds had been depleted to near zero.
Smith initially paid back $20,000 after being confronted by Simon, promising to return the remaining $24,798. The stolen amount was held in his lawyer’s trust account awaiting repayment.
Following the incident, Smith was relieved of his duties as treasurer, prompting the association to revise its financial policies to prevent similar occurrences.
During the court proceedings, Fisher advocated for a one-year conditional sentence order, whereas defense lawyer Raman Sharma argued for a two-year conditional discharge.
‘Truly irrational’ theft, defence lawyer says
Sharma explained that Smith, amid a tumultuous personal situation, experienced mental health challenges that led to his regrettable actions. The defense highlighted Smith’s remorse and willingness to make amends.
Smith’s defense also underscored the severe repercussions he had already faced in the community, including damaged relationships and public stigma.
Judge Ross Green, concurring with the prosecution, imposed a 12-month conditional sentence order on Smith, requiring adherence to specific conditions to avoid further legal consequences.
The conditions include a curfew, abstaining from substances, participating in mental health programs, full restitution, and issuing a written apology to the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association.
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