Calgary Herald -- Canada
Transit worker going to jail for stealing $375,000 in coins
Calgary Herald
Published: Saturday, November 08, 2008
A former Calgary Transit employee who stole more than
$375,000 in coins over seven years is going to prison.
The culprit used the cash to support mistresses, go
on vacations, buy vehicles, homes and appliances.
A provincial court judge sentenced David John Hamilton,
56, to three years in jail on Friday.
"This is a trust theft from a long-time employer with
a considerable amount of money involved, over a period
of seven years," said Judge Ian Kirkpatrick. "Anybody
would know this action was wrong . . . whatever
motivated them."
Hamilton, who worked for Calgary Transit for about 20
years, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a count of
theft.
Prosecutor Susan Mulligan told court that Hamilton
was responsible for sorting and counting fares. She
said he began helping himself to the cash in 1999.
He was fired in July 2006.
Hamilton would hide the loonies and toonies in bags,
remove them from his workplace in a knapsack, then
use the coins at businesses and casinos.
"Since this matter came to light, we took immediate
action with more security procedures," said Calgary
Transit spokesman Ron Collins.
Mulligan said the city was able to recover $249,716.
Kirkpatrick ordered Hamilton to pay full restitution,
to be held in trust and turned over to the city at
the end of civil proceedings.
..
At least he didn't squander it. :-) Billy
I wonder if any of the white collar thieves that have stolen billions
from U.S. taxpayers will do any time?
JAM