Former health unit exec admits massive theft (update)

4:08 p.m. update:

An anonymous letter spurred the investigation that resulted in charges against Algoma Public Health's former chief operating officer, a judge heard Thursday after Jeffrey Holmes admitted stealing $434,644 in public funds.

Holmes pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000 and breach of trust when he appeared in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom.

The offences occurred between Oct.1, 2006 and Oct. 1, 2013.

Prosecutor Nancy Komsa told the court Holmes, a chartered accountant who had been APH's chief financial officer since 2003, had control of money coming in and going out of the organization.

After the chairman of the public health's board, Marchy Bruni, received an anonymous letter with some credit card information about questionable expenses, KPMG was contacted to conduct an audit, the assistant Crown attorney said.

The audit revealed $434,644 had been spent for personal matters not related to Holmes' employment or any public health programs, Komsa said.

As a result, the city police began a joint investigation with the Ontario Provincial Police Anti Rackets Branch Corruption Unit in August 2013.

Holmes was charged on Oct. 1 of the same year.

Holmes, a well-known local jazz pianist, left APH in July 2013.

Sentencing will take place June 29.

At the request of defence counsel Wayne Chorney, Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn ordered a pre-sentence report.

Chorney said the lawyers will have a joint position on sentence that they will argue that Dunn should accept.

Holmes previously served as chief financial officer and vice president for Sault Area Hospital.

Original story:

Algoma Public Health's former chief operating officer pleaded guilty this afternoon to stealing $434,644 in public funds.

Jeffrey Holmes pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000 and breach of trust at the Sault Ste. Marie Court House.

The offences took place between October 1, 2006 and October 1, 2013.

Holmes, a well-known local jazz pianist, left Algoma Public Health in July of 2013.

He was arrested in October of the same year after an investigation by city police and the Ontario Provincial Police Anti Rackets Branch Corruption Unit and charged with theft over $5,000 and breach of trust.

He had previously served as chief financial officer and vice president of finance for Sault Area Hospital before joining Algoma Public Health in 2001. 

Sentencing is scheduled for June 29.

Check back as SooToday will have more on this story.

(PHOTO: Jeffrey Holmes leaves the Sault Ste. Marie Court House April 23, 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of theft over $5,000 and breach of trust. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)