Figliola apologizes for 'inconvenience', decides to pay back $1,080.63 he expensed for a conference (update)

4:49 p.m. update:

Criminal charges against Sault Ste. Marie's former fire chief were stayed Monday afternoon at the request of the Crown.

The stay came on the heels of a statement Michael Figliola made to the court, acknowledging responsibility for his actions involving conference expenses he had submitted to the city, and the payment of $1,080.63 restitution he has made to tne municipality.

Figliola, 59, faced three charges — fraud, uttering a forged document and breach of trust by a public official.

He was charged by the Ontario Provincial Police in August 2017, following a seven-month investigation that was undertaken in December 2016 at the request of the city police.

Figliola told Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn he was taking responsibility for an issue that had caused the city, the fire department and "me personally much consternation."

He said when he was chief he submitted certain expenses for a conference in southern Ontario.

Although he attended in southern Ontario and had "several network meetings" he was not "formally registered" for the conference, Figliola said.

"I submitted expenses, did so without intending to deceive anyone and certainly not with any intention to commit fraud on the city."

Figliola stated he has repaid the municipality, is no longer employed by the city and is looking forward to moving on.

"I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience my actions caused."

Defence counsel Michael Lacy said his client had voluntarily made the restitution, and had not been asked for reimbursement.

The Toronto lawyer said the charges had created a significant stigma, which Figliola, who has always maintained he had not committed a criminal offence, had difficulty dealing with, personally and professionally.

Lacy said the costs of going to trial far out weigh the voluntary restitution.

Assistant Crown attorney David Kirk said that in light of the restitution and Figliola's statement in open court, he was asking the court to enter stays on the charges.

Figliola, former deputy chief of the North Bay fire department, was hired by the city of Sault Ste. Marie in May 2015 to take over the top post with the local fire service.

In the spring of 2017, the city announced that the municipality and Figliola had ended their employment relationship, effective May 8.

2:54 p.m. original story:

Criminal charges against the city’s former fire chief were stayed this afternoon at the request of the Crown.

Figliola was charged in August of 2017 with fraud, uttering a forged document and breach of trust by a public official.

Figliola, who served as chief of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services from August, 2015 to May, 2017, made a statement to the court this afternoon.

SooToday was there and will post more on this story . . . 

EDITOR'S NOTE: SooToday does not permit comments on court stories