NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit have charged two people in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation involving a councillor with the City of Richmond Hill.
On July 14, 2020, York Regional Police began an investigation into the fraudulent use of funds connected with a city councillor’s employment at the City of Richmond Hill. The investigation revealed that a councillor had hired an additional staff member, then arranged for the new employee to give a portion of their pay to the councillor’s spouse. It is believed that more than $21,000 was paid to the councillor’s spouse from August 2019 to May 2020.
On Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, the suspects were placed under arrest and have been charged.
Charged:
• Karen Cilevitz, 63, City of Richmond Hill
Charges:
• Fraud over $5,000
• Breach of trust by public officer
Charged:
• Derek Christie, 59, City of Richmond Hill
Charges:
• Fraud over $5,000
• Possession of proceeds of crime
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online.
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