OPP INVESTIGATION OF IRREGULAR FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Police Charge Four Individuals

ORILLIA, ON, Dec. 20 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation into irregular financial transactions between provincial government ministries and a vendor has resulted in criminal charges being laid against four people today.

The investigation by the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch began in September, 2009 following an internal audit by the Ontario Government.  The investigation focused on irregular financial transactions relating to cash and cleaning services between a vendor and employees of several provincial Ministries.

As part of the investigation, the OPP executed 9 search warrants at impacted ministry offices and residences.  This complex investigation involved a thorough examination of a significant amount of evidence.

As a result of the investigation, the OPP have arrested and charged the following people with the following criminal offences:

Gino CONICELLA, 47 years of age of Woodbridge, Ontario, with one count of Breach of Trust and one count of Accepting a Secret Commission.  The accused is a Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.  The offences occurred in 2010.  

Michaele DEPACE, 47 years of age of Toronto, Ontario, with one count of Breach of Trust, one count of Accepting a Secret Commission, one count of Fraud Over $5,000 and one count of Uttering a Forged Document.  The accused is an employee of the Facilities Management Office of the Ministry of Transportation.  The offences occurred between 2004 and 2010. 

Kathy PAGLIAROLI, 40 years of age of Woodbridge, Ontario, with one count of Breach of Trust and one count of Accepting a Secret Commission.  The accused is a Business Support Analyst with the Ministry of Transportation.  The offences occurred in 2010.

Ivanna PRESOT, 46 years of age of Toronto, Ontario, with one count of Fraud Under $5,000.  The accused is a Customer Service Manager with CB Richard Ellis Global Corporate Services.  The offence occurred in 2010. 

All four individuals are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court, of Justice at Old City Hall in Toronto, Ontario.  CONICELLA and DEPACE will appear on January 31, 2011 and PRESOT and PAGLIAROLI will appear on February 3, 2011.

The police investigation is continuing.

For further information:

Contact:	Inspector Dave Ross
	Deputy Director, Corporate Communications Bureau
Phone:	705-329-6874