Former Manitoba fire commissioner pleads guilty to breach of trust, forgery

WINNIPEG—A former Manitoba fire commissioner has pleaded guilty to breach of trust and forgery in November 2015.

Christopher Jones took up to $50,000 of provincial money, stolen in 21 separate accountable advances between 2009 and 2011.

Jones read a statement in court Thursday apologizing for what he did and said he was not a risk to reoffend.

Court heard that part of the money was used to pay off his personal overdraft.

The Crown said Jones and three subordinates entered false expense claims to clear the advances from the government system.

The three subordinates did not get money for their participation and all were fired from their jobs, but none was charged.

Court heard Jones was going through a “messy separation” from his former wife at the time.

The defence said Jones had also been diagnosed with cancer when the misuse of funds came to light, at a time when the province and fire commissioner were also dealing with the 2011 flood.

Jones also said in his statement that his actions have “caused significant public humiliation” to him and his family.

The Crown is asking for 15 months in jail, while the defence wants a conditional sentence with no jail time.

A decision is set for Monday morning.