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Prostitution OF A Profession Series
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A Case Study
Municipal Corruption in Ontario, Canada
David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
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Article: The Independent Free Press January 13, 2021
Former Halton Manager Gets Suspended Sentence, Probation. Judicial Failure?
David Ohashi, P.Eng. Had Been Found Guilty On Two Fraud Charges And One Count Of Forgery.
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
The King Pin?
The King Pin?
Time To Lock Them Up!
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. (The King Pin?) - Halton Region Corruption
That Is NOT The Whole Story! The Whole Story 1998 to 2021 Coming Soon!!!!
Alleged By The King Pin Himself in 1998-99: Organized Pre-Planned Criminal Conspiracy?
Questions Have been Raised? Are They Holding Back Information On Higher Ups to Acquire Reduced Sentencing?
Excerpt from:
The Independent Free Press January 13, 2021 by Steve Buist, Investigative Reporter and Feature Writer
A former Halton Region manager found guilty of fraud and forgery has been given a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation.
David Ohashi, 60, was found guilty by a jury in June 2019 of fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and uttering a forged document in connection with his position as a high-ranking manager in Halton’s water and wastewater division.
The charges related to travel expenses and an allegation that Ohashi interfered with a tendering process to benefit a particular vendor as part of a $7.8-million upgrading project.
But Superior Court Justice Erika Chozik said despite the jury’s guilty verdict on the fraud over $5,000 charge, “there is no evidence that Mr. Ohashi stood to gain anything.”
“The Crown has not proven a well-orchestrated ‘systemic’ large scale fraud that put millions of dollars at risk,” Chozik said. “I am not satisfied that the fraud resulted in any actual loss to the region.”
Chozik decided to stay the guilty verdict against Ohashi for uttering a forged document. She handed him a three-month suspended sentence for the fraud under $5,000 charge and a 15-month consecutive suspended sentence for the fraud over $5,000 along with 18 months of probation.
David Norris, a former contractor to Halton Region who was tried along with Ohashi, also avoided prison after being found guilty of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption and paying a secret commission to a municipal official. The charges related to allegations of fraudulent invoices sent to Halton and a secret commission paid to another Halton employee.
Norris was sentenced to six months less a day of house arrest for the fraud over $5,000 conviction. He was also handed 18 months consecutive for the secret commissions conviction where Norris must observe an evening to early-morning curfew at his residence.
Chozik chose to stay Norris’ guilty verdict for municipal corruption.
The Crown attorney had been seeking a penitentiary sentence of two to three years for Ohashi and four to five years in prison for Norris.
In her sentencing decision, Chozik stated she had received victim impact statements from Halton Region’s chief administrative officer, but she gave them no weight.
The judge said the victim impact statements attempted to suggest the two men were guilty of even more frauds and tried to introduce new evidence that “makes claims that were not proven — and not even alleged — at this trial.”
“My task is to sentence them for the offences proven by the Crown and nothing else,” Chozik said.
The two men are still facing a civil lawsuit.
In 2019, The Spectator published an exclusive investigation based on a confidential report obtained from a whistleblower that raised questions about the scope of Ohashi’s actions while he was employed by Halton Region.
The 50-page report was prepared by an external forensic accounting firm on behalf of the region in October 2018, two years after Ohashi was charged.
The report, which was provided to Halton’s director of legal services, alleges Halton Region spent tens of millions of dollars over more than a decade on bogus payments, faked invoices and unnecessary equipment.
Steve Buist is a Hamilton-based investigative reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbuist@thespec.com
#criminalconspiracy #HaltonRegionCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #PEO
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Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
Article: The Hamilton Spectator January 13, 2021
Former Halton Manager Gets Suspended Sentence, Probation. Judicial Failure?
The King Pin?
Time To Lock Them Up!
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. (The King Pin?) - Halton Region Corruption
That Is NOT The Whole Story! The Whole Story 1998 to 2021 Coming Soon!!!!
Alleged By The King Pin Himself in 1998-99: Organized Pre-Planned Criminal Conspiracy?
Questions Have been Raised? Are They Holding Back Information On Higher Ups to Acquire Reduced Sentencing?
Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator January 13, 2021 by Steve Buist, Investigative Reporter and Feature Writer
A former Halton Region manager found guilty of fraud and forgery has been given a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation.
David Ohashi, 60, was found guilty by a jury in June 2019 of fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and uttering a forged document in connection with his position as a high-ranking manager in Halton’s water and wastewater division.
The charges related to travel expenses and an allegation that Ohashi interfered with a tendering process to benefit a particular vendor as part of a $7.8-million upgrading project.
But Superior Court Justice Erika Chozik said despite the jury’s guilty verdict on the fraud over $5,000 charge, “there is no evidence that Mr. Ohashi stood to gain anything.”
“The Crown has not proven a well-orchestrated ‘systemic’ large scale fraud that put millions of dollars at risk,” Chozik said. “I am not satisfied that the fraud resulted in any actual loss to the region.”
Chozik decided to stay the guilty verdict against Ohashi for uttering a forged document. She handed him a three-month suspended sentence for the fraud under $5,000 charge and a 15-month consecutive suspended sentence for the fraud over $5,000 along with 18 months of probation.
David Norris, a former contractor to Halton Region who was tried along with Ohashi, also avoided prison after being found guilty of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption and paying a secret commission to a municipal official. The charges related to allegations of fraudulent invoices sent to Halton and a secret commission paid to another Halton employee.
Norris was sentenced to six months less a day of house arrest for the fraud over $5,000 conviction. He was also handed 18 months consecutive for the secret commissions conviction where Norris must observe an evening to early-morning curfew at his residence.
Chozik chose to stay Norris’ guilty verdict for municipal corruption.
The Crown attorney had been seeking a penitentiary sentence of two to three years for Ohashi and four to five years in prison for Norris.
In her sentencing decision, Chozik stated she had received victim impact statements from Halton Region’s chief administrative officer, but she gave them no weight.
The judge said the victim impact statements attempted to suggest the two men were guilty of even more frauds and tried to introduce new evidence that “makes claims that were not proven — and not even alleged — at this trial.”
“My task is to sentence them for the offences proven by the Crown and nothing else,” Chozik said.
The two men are still facing a civil lawsuit.
In 2019, The Spectator published an exclusive investigation based on a confidential report obtained from a whistleblower that raised questions about the scope of Ohashi’s actions while he was employed by Halton Region.
The 50-page report was prepared by an external forensic accounting firm on behalf of the region in October 2018, two years after Ohashi was charged.
The report, which was provided to Halton’s director of legal services, alleges Halton Region spent tens of millions of dollars over more than a decade on bogus payments, faked invoices and unnecessary equipment.
Email: sbuist@thespec.com
#criminalconspiracy #HaltonRegionCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #PEO
Prostitution OF A Profession Series
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Article: The Hamilton Spectator February 28, 2020
Crown Seeks Prison Terms In Halton Region Fraud Case
Crown Seeks Prison Terms!
The King Pin?
Halton Region Corruption Case
Sentencing June 5, 2020
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
The King Pin?
The King Pin?
Time To Lock Them Up!
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. (The King Pin?) - Halton Region Corruption
That Is NOT The Whole Story! The Whole Story 1998 to 2020 Coming Soon!!!!
Alleged By The King Pin Himself in 1998-99: Organized Pre-Planned Criminal Conspiracy?
Questions Have been Raised? Are They Holding Back Information On Higher Ups to Acquire Reduced Sentencing?
Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator February 28, 2020 by Steve Buist, Investigative Reporter and Feature Writer
Crown Seeks Prison Terms In Halton Region Fraud Case
Two to three years sought for former employee David Ohashi, four to five years sought for Hamilton’s David Norris
The Crown is seeking penitentiary terms for two men who defrauded Halton Region.
Halton Crown attorney Arish Khoorshed is asking for a sentence of two to three years in prison for David Ohashi, a former high-ranking manager in Halton's water and wastewater division.
Ohashi, 59, was found guilty by a jury last year of fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000, and uttering a forged document.
Khoorshed said the length of sentences for fraud have been rising over the past two decades because "courts have begun to realize these are insidious offences."
He described Ohashi's fraud as an "extreme breach of trust."
"This isn't a Shopper's Drug Mart cashier who takes from the till," Khoorshed said. "This fraud was planned and executed. It was not something that could be done on the fly."
The Crown is seeking a prison term of four to five years for David Norris of Hamilton, the principal of a company that was a vendor and service provider to Halton Region.
The Crown has also asked for a $1.4-million restitution order against Norris, who was found guilty of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption, and accepting secret commissions in connection with fraudulent invoices that were paid out by the region over a number of years.
Ohashi's lawyer, Domenic Basile, asked Superior Court Justice Erika Chozik for absolute discharges on the fraud under $5,000 and uttering forged document convictions. On the fraud over $5,000 charge, Basile is seeking either a suspended sentence or a conditional sentence of four to six months.
"There was no personal greed here with respect to the monies," Basile said. "There was no personal gain for Mr. Ohashi."
Ohashi asked to address the court and he delivered what could best be described as a victim impact statement, even though he was the guilty party.
Ohashi didn't apologize or express remorse for his crimes but instead told court he's heavily in debt, his career was destroyed and "this whole ordeal has been terrible for me."
Norris, 58, is seeking a conditional sentence and he is contesting the amount of restitution he should pay, arguing the Crown didn't accurately quantify the amount of the fraud.
The sentences for Ohashi and Norris will be handed down June 5 in Milton court.
The two men are still facing a civil lawsuit.
In December, The Spectator published an exclusive investigation based on a confidential report obtained from a whistleblower that raised questions about the scope of Ohashi's actions while he was employed by Halton Region.
The 50-page report was prepared by an external forensic accounting firm on behalf of the region in October 2018, two years after Ohashi was charged.
The report, which was provided to Halton's director of legal services, alleges Halton Region spent tens of millions of dollars over more than a decade on bogus payments, faked invoices and unnecessary equipment.
It highlights a long list of instances where Ohashi allegedly accepted bribes and kickbacks, improperly helped outside companies obtain contracts with the region and aided them in submitting fraudulent invoices.
The forensic accountants found dozens of occasions where Ohashi allegedly accepted money, flights, vacations, hotel rooms, tickets, electronics, home renovations, "adult entertainment" and even Viagra.
The forensic accounting firm prepared the investigative report based on emails, phone logs, texts, BlackBerry Messenger messages, a computer hard drive analysis, and reviews of Halton Region invoices and contracts.
Most of the allegations contained in the report don't appear to be attached to the three charges that led to Ohashi's convictions.
905-526-3226
Steve Buist
by Steve Buist
Steve Buist is an investigative reporter and feature writer with the Hamilton Spectator. He is the creator of the widely-acclaimed Code Red project, which examines the connections between health, social and economic factors in Hamilton. He has won four National Newspaper Awards, been named Canada’s Investigative Journalist of the Year three times, Ontario’s Journalist of the Year five times and past winner of the world’s top cancer reporting prize by the European School of Oncology.
Email: sbuist@thespec.com
#criminalconspiracy #HaltonRegionCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #PEO
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Article: The Hamilton Spectator December 10, 2019
A Decade of Deception Cost Halton Region Millions
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
Finally.
Looking Forward To Sentencing!
Prostitution Of An Profession Series, A Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator December 10, 2019
A Decade of Deception Cost Halton Region Millions
The shocking details in the report raise serious questions about Halton Region’s oversight of contracts, invoices, payments as well as its oversight of external contractors and suppliers.
The 50-page report, sent anonymously to The Spectator, was prepared by an external forensic accounting firm in October 2018 on behalf of the region to investigate the actions of David Ohashi, a former high-ranking manager in Halton’s water and wastewater division. - Toronto Star file photo
A confidential report obtained by The Hamilton Spectator shows Halton Region spent tens of millions of dollars over more than a decade on bogus payments, faked invoices and unnecessary equipment through a scheme orchestrated by a former employee who has since been found guilty of fraud-related charges.
The 50-page report, sent anonymously to The Spectator, was prepared by an external forensic accounting firm in October 2018 on behalf of the region to investigate the actions of David Ohashi, a former high-ranking manager in Halton's water and wastewater division.
The report, which was provided to Halton's director of legal services, highlights a long list of instances where Ohashi allegedly accepted bribes and kickbacks, improperly helped outside companies obtain contracts with the region and aided them in submitting fraudulent invoices.
The forensic accountants found dozens of occasions where Ohashi allegedly accepted money, flights, vacations, hotel rooms, tickets, electronics, home renovations, "adult entertainment" and even Viagra.
The shocking details in the report raise serious questions about Halton Region's oversight of contracts, invoices and payments, as well as its oversight of the behaviour of some companies that provide services and equipment to the region in the water and wastewater division.
Two of the companies identified in the report alleged to have provided kickbacks to Ohashi are still on Halton Region's most recently published list of approved suppliers of equipment and services for the water and wastewater division.
In written responses to The Spectator's questions, Halton Region stated it "is committed to the highest standards of corporate accountability, transparency, responsibility and integrity."
"These are the actions of individuals in positions of trust who chose to use the knowledge of the controls and systems to defraud Halton residents and Halton Region," stated Stacey Hunter, spokesperson for the region.
"Their actions in no way represent the 2,500 skilled, hardworking and dedicated individuals who serve Halton residents each and every day."
"Halton Region has rigorous systems, policies and procedures in place to safeguard assets and protect the public interest," Hunter stated. "Even the most controlled system cannot prevent illicit activity, particularly when internal and external collusion is involved."
In 2016, Ohashi was charged with seven counts including municipal corruption, accepting secret commissions, fraud and criminal breach of contract.
While some of the details of Ohashi's actions became public when he was charged, the forensic accountants' report provides a comprehensive analysis of the scope of the allegedly fraudulent behaviour which appears to have gone on for more than a decade.
Ohashi was found guilty by a jury on June 21 of fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000, and uttering a forged document. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28.
Also facing charges with Ohashi was Stoney Creek resident David Norris, principal of Sirron Systems Inc., a company that was a vendor and service provider to Halton Region.
Norris was charged with five counts and convicted by a jury on June 21 of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption, and accepting secret commissions. He will also be sentenced on Feb. 28.
Ohashi and Norris attempted to have their convictions stayed earlier this fall by launching a challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that argued their rights were violated by the Crown, but they abandoned their application on Nov. 28.
Attempts to reach Ohashi and Norris for comment were unsuccessful.
Following Ohashi's arrest in 2016, Halton police investigated and charged another region employee, Nicolas Rewa, who was subsequently found guilty of defrauding the region of about $770,000 through falsely awarding service contracts to Sirron Systems Inc.
Rewa was sentenced to three years in jail.
The forensic accounting firm prepared the investigative report based on emails, phone call logs, texts, BlackBerry Messenger messages, a computer hard drive analysis, and reviews of Halton Region invoices and contracts.
The investigators also received documents from the ex-spouse of Norris, who also happened to be a former bookkeeper of Sirron Systems, one of the companies implicated in the scheme.
Sirron Systems performed electrical, instrumentation and data acquisition services for Halton Region from 1995 to 2017.
According to the confidential report, Sirron Systems issued nearly 16,000 invoices totalling $30.5 million to Halton over the 22-year period.
When the forensic accountants interviewed Norris' ex-spouse, she told them Sirron began submitting fictitious invoices to Halton Region around 2003. She told them she was terminated in February 2014 "as a result of her reluctance to participate in Sirron's 'questionable billing practices,'" the report states.
The forensic accountants compared Sirron bookkeeping spreadsheets with Halton Region invoices and calculated that Sirron's allegedly fictitious invoices to Halton totalled between $12.3 million to $13.9 million.
At least 38 of the allegedly fictitious invoices totalling $490,000 were directly attributable to Ohashi, the report states.
At one point, Halton Region issued payments of nearly $500,000 in total of Sirron invoices to the Receiver General of Canada because the Canada Revenue Agency had obtained a garnishment order against the company.
The report found evidence Norris provided kickbacks to Ohashi that allegedly included cash payments of $41,000 and $11,200 (U.S.), as well as travel, electronics and tickets.
According to a text message exchange in April 2011, Norris allegedly hid part of one kickback payment in a washroom stall. "When u get here use washroom — $$ are under toilette paper roll on top of garbage can," Norris texted Ohashi.
On other occasions, according to the report, payments were allegedly mailed directly to Ohashi's home.
Included in the report are several instances where Ohashi allegedly manipulated the tendering process to the advantage of a hand-picked company or helped alter the terms of a contract to provide benefits to a company.
For example, the report suggests Ohashi succeeded in having certain minimum requirements added to the tender for the provision of ozone equipment for the Burloak Water Purification Plant, which disqualified competitors to the company he wanted to obtain the contract.
The report shows the main company that ended up providing the ozone equipment and a second smaller company hired to service the equipment were both represented by the same person, a New Jersey man whose listed business address appears to be his home. The report also alleges there were instances when the New Jersey man provided kickbacks to Ohashi.
Ironically, the report points out, there was no need for a service contract for the ozone equipment because the company that supplied it was supposed to maintain and repair its own equipment.
In text messages from 2012 with a Halton Region co-op student, Ohashi told her how the New Jersey company rep would fly to Buffalo and stay in Niagara Falls.
"I meet him Friday nights ... then ... And then golf Saturday mornings before he flies back," Ohashi texted. "Ah man, u got me confessing too many secrets... you have (too) much blackmail material now."
When the forensic accountants looked into details of the service invoices from the New Jersey companies for the ozone equipment, they found evidence of suspicious activity.
Each water plant is required to maintain an operations log that notes the presence of external suppliers and contractors.
On 24 occasions between 2005 and 2010, Halton was billed a total of $248,000 (U.S.) for service calls but there is no record that anyone from the New Jersey companies actually visited the water purification plants based on the logs.
Between 2005 and 2009, one of the New Jersey companies billed Halton $120,000 (U.S.) for "remote monitoring" of the ozone systems, the report states, but years later the region learned from another high-ranking manager that the ozone systems weren't even set up to be monitored remotely.
The report also found 41 invoices totalling $91,000 (U.S.) submitted to the region by one of the New Jersey companies for travel expenses, but not one of the travel claims had any supporting documentation or receipts.
In at least one case, Ohashi is alleged to have engaged in what's known as "hard spec'ing" equipment for certain projects. Hard spec'ing refers to the practice of requiring general contractors on a project to use very specific pieces of equipment, which can then benefit the suppliers of that equipment.
In another case, a service contract was to be advertised for tender but Ohashi only contacted one company to bid on it. Then he sent an email to a Halton Region colleague alerting him that only one company ended up submitting a bid.
The investigative report found "numerous instances" where Ohashi would blind copy certain suppliers and contractors on email messages he was exchanging with other region employees. This would give the suppliers and contractors knowledge of potentially sensitive information about projects and tenders.
In the wake of the Ohashi case, Halton Region states it has "conducted an extensive review of its processes and procedures, updated its employee and vendor codes of conduct and implemented mandatory training to identify and report fraudulent behaviour."
Despite allegations of providing kickbacks to Ohashi, two companies named in the report are still among the approved companies on Halton Region's most recently published list of pre-qualified suppliers and contractors.
The Spectator has elected to not name the companies because they have not been charged with any criminal offences.
One of the companies still approved for business with Halton is alleged to have supplied Ohashi with cash, travel, event tickets and "adult entertainment," as well as paying travel costs for Ohashi's son.
When contacted by The Spectator, the company representative denied that his company engaged in any kickback scheme.
He said there was a cash payment but it was a hockey sponsorship for a team associated with Ohashi's children. Any alleged travel payments were also hockey-related, the company rep added.
Halton states it has reviewed its list of vendors "and has taken appropriate action and cannot comment any further due to ongoing legal proceedings."
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Steve Buist
by Steve Buist
Steve Buist is an investigative reporter and feature writer with the Hamilton Spectator. He is the creator of the widely-acclaimed Code Red project, which examines the connections between health, social and economic factors in Hamilton. He has won four National Newspaper Awards, been named Canada’s Investigative Journalist of the Year three times, Ontario’s Journalist of the Year five times and past winner of the world’s top cancer reporting prize by the European School of Oncology.
Email: sbuist@thespec.com
#HaltonCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #SirronSytems #PEO
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Article: Independent Free Press September 29, 2019
Former Halton Employee Seeks Dismissal Of Fraud Charges
The Sentencing of David Ohashi and David Norris, Found Guilty On Numerous Fraud-Related Charges, Has Been Put Off As Their Lawyers Put Forth A Joint Charter Application Friday.
Halton Region Corruption
(Subsequently, The Application Was Allegedly Withdrawn)
David Ohashi, P.Eng., a former manager with Halton Region charged with fraud, municipal corruption and more. - Torstar file photo
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris, Sirron Systems Inc.
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. David Norris
Sirron Systems Inc.
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Your Charter Rights Where Violated?
Ha!
No Remorse!
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, A Online Novel
David Ohashi , P.Eng. and David Norris - Halton Region Corruption
Former Halton Employee Seeks Dismissal Of Fraud Charges
The Sentencing of David Ohashi and David Norris, Found Guilty On Numerous Fraud-Related Charges, Has Been Put Off As Their Lawyers Put Forth A Joint Charter Application Friday.
Excerpt from:
The Independent Free Press - September 29, 2019 by Melanie Hennessey
The sentencing of two men, including a former Halton Region manager, found guilty on numerous fraud-related charges has been put off as their lawyers gear up to argue their clients' rights were violated.
Lawyers representing previous longtime Halton staffer David Ohashi and David Norris of Sirron Systems Inc. put forth a joint charter application in a Milton courtroom Sept. 27 that alleges improper conduct of the Crown before and during a recent six-week trial and seeks to have the charges stayed.
The case dates back to a 2015 police investigation, when it was alleged that Ohashi, a former manager in Halton Region's plant capital and engineering department, gained personal benefit by providing confidential information and advantage to contractors with whom he had personal relationships over the course of more than five years.
Following Ohashi's 2016 arrest, police were alerted to another Halton employee, Nicolas Rewa, who was found guilty of defrauding the region of approximately $770,000 through falsely awarding service contracts to Hamilton-based company Sirron Systems Inc.
Rewa was sentenced to three years in jail in July 2018.
Ohashi was charged with two counts of municipal corruption, two counts of accepting secret commissions, fraud under and over $5,000 and criminal breach of contract.
Norris was charged with fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption, accepting secret commissions, laundering proceeds of crime and property obtained by crime.
The matter was adjourned to give the Crown an opportunity to review the materials and formulate a position on the charter application.
The case will return to court on October 18.
Both Ohashi and Norris were remanded out of custody.
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Article: The Burlington Post September 24, 2018
Former Halton Employee Sentenced To 3 Years For Defrauding Region
Mr. Nicolas Rewa, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Rewa Pleaded Guilty
Prostitution Of An Profession Series, A Online Novel
Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
The The Burlington Post September 24, 2018
Former Halton Employee Sentenced To 3 Years For Defrauding Region
A former Halton Region employee has been sentenced to three years in jail for a number of fraud-related offences that took place between January 2008 and April 2017.
Halton's former public works manager Nicolas Rewa, 55, was found guilty of defrauding the region of approximately $770,000 through falsely awarding service contracts to Hamilton-based company Sirron Systems Inc.
According to court documents, Rewa used the money obtained to purchase a house, among other items, and later transferred the ownership of the property into his wife's name in an attempt to conceal the source of the funds.
Rewa was charged in April 2017 with two counts each of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption and secret commissions, one count of laundering proceeds of crime and one count of property obtained by crime. His case was heard at the Milton courthouse.
Stoney Creek resident David Norris, 52, of Sirron Systems Inc., was also charged with two counts each of fraud over $5,000, municipal corruption and secret commissions, as well as laundering proceeds of crime and property obtained by crime.
Norris's case is still ongoing.
Charges initially laid against Rewa's wife Marion have been dropped.
Nicolas Rewa was sentenced on July 16.
#HaltonCorruption # Rewa #Ohashi #Norris #SirronSytems #PEO
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Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Private Investigators May 3, 2017
Police Charge Former Halton Public Works Manager with Fraud
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng
Fraud
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Private Investigators in Toronto and Mississauga
Fraud can’t be fully avoided and that’s nothing but the truth in the case of a former public works manager for the Halton Region, his wife, and a contractor they’ve been working with.
The trio has been charged with fraud due to allegedly being involved with a scheme for money laundering done through municipal contracts.
7 Years Running
The fraud has been going on since 2008 and is now worth $770,000.
All the money was fraudulently taken by falsely billing public works contracts to Hamilton-based Sirron Systems Inc. according to Halton police. The company is involved with software administration that runs and monitors the water plants.
Police officer Det. Sgt. Chris Lawson called the fraud as an elaborate scheme, as it involved sending fake billings to the region for nonexistent supplies or labour.
The fraud also involved building house with the money, letting the money go baack to Sirron, and eventually finding its way to the pocket of the former public work manager, added the detective.
Six warrants were simultaneously executed by the police middle of last month, 2 in Peel region, 1 in Toronto, 1 in Stoney Creek, and 2 at Halton Regional offices.
Careful Investigation of Multiple Charges
August 2016 marked the beginning of the investigation when another employee, David Ohashi was arrested.
Ohashi oversaw waste water initiatives and is involvement is about accepting secret commissions, fraud under $5,000, using a forged document, and 3 counts of municipal corruption.
As of today, police have charged Mississauga’s Nicholas Rewa, 55, with 2 counts of municipal corruption, 2 counts of fraud over $5,000, 1 count of laundering crime proceeds, 1 count of property acquired through crime, and 2 counts of secret commissions. This was all after he was fired from his job.
Marion Rewa, 45, Nicholas’ wife, was also charged by the police with one count of fraud over $5,000 and 1 count of property acquired through crime.
Stoney Creek’s David Norris, 52, was also charged with 2 counts of fraud over $5,000, 2 counts of secret commissions, 2 counts of municipal corruption, and 1 count each of property obtained by crime and laundering proceeds of crime. David Norris is the head of Sirron Systems Inc.
All accused are currently at large after being released on condition that they appear in Milton court on May 9.
Lawson added that the police did not find any evidence of collusion between Ohashi and Rewa although they’ve had daily contact. The police also shared that as of this time, they do not have evidence other inappropriate or fraudulent activity at the region but still warns the public that it is possible that there are more people involved in the scheme and this could be worth more than $770,000.
The police are urging anyone who may have some information to call the Crime Stoppers t 1-800-222-8477 or contact the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739.
Need help uncovering fraud or just getting facts out of a suspected fraud case? Private investigators at Haywood Hunt are here to help! Contact us if you are in need of private investigation services.
Summary
Article Name
Police Charge Former Halton Public Works Manager with Fraud
Description
Fraud can’t be fully avoided and that’s nothing but the truth in the case of a former public works manager for the Halton Region, his wife, and a contractor they’ve been working with. The trio has been charged with fraud due to allegedly being involved with a scheme for money laundering done through municipal contracts.
Author
Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Toronto Private Investigators
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Article: Daily Commercial News April 20, 2017
Charges Laid In Halton Contract Investigation
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Sirron Systems Inc.
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mrs. Marion Rewa
Mr. David Norris
Charged
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, A Online Novel
OAKVILLE, ONT. — An employee of an engineering services company, a former Halton Region public works manager and the manager’s wife have been charged by Halton Regional Police after an investigation into the awarding of region contracts.
Excerpt from:
DCN News Service April 20, 2017
It is alleged the 17-year former Halton employee defrauded the region of approximately $770,000 since 2008 by fraudulently administering or awarding region contracts to a Hamilton-based company named Sirron Systems Inc.
The Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit became aware of Nicolas Rewa’s alleged fraud after the arrest in August 2016 of another former employee, David Ohashi, who was charged with similar offences, notes a police media statement released April 13.
The police have arrested and charged the following in relation to this incident:
Nicolas Rewa, aged 55, of Mississauga.
The former public works manager is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of municipal corruption, two counts of receiving secret commissions, one count of laundering proceeds of crime and one count of property obtained by crime;
Marion Rewa, aged 45, also of Mississauga, is charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime; and
David Norris, aged 52, of Stoney Creek. The employee of Sirron Systems Inc. is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of municipal corruption, two counts of receiving secret commissions, one count of laundering proceeds of crime and one count of property obtained by crime.
The allegations have yet to be proven in court. The accused are scheduled to appear in Milton Provincial Court on May 9.
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Article: in News April 16, 2017
Mississauga Couple Charged in Connection with Enormous Fraud
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mrs. Marion Rewa
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Enormous Fraud
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Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. and Mrs. Marion Rewa - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
in News April 16, 2017 by Ashley Newport
A couple from Mississauga are facing charges in connection with the alleged bilking of over half a million dollars.
A couple from Mississauga are facing charges in connection with the alleged bilking of over half a million dollars.
Halton Regional Police recently announced that officers have laid charges against a former Region of Halton employee following an extensive investigation initially launched in 2015.
Police report that 55-year-old Mississauga man Nicolas Rewa, a former public works manager who was employed by the Halton region for 17 years, allegedly defrauded the region of approximately $770,000 since 2008 by fraudulently administering/awarding contracts to a Hamilton-based company named Sirron Systems Inc.
Police say they became aware of the fraud after the arresting another former employee, David Ohashi, in 2016. Ohashi has been charged with similar offences.
Rewa has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5000, two counts municipal corruption, two counts secret commissions, one count of laundering proceeds of crime and one count of property obtained by crime.
Rewa's wife, 45-year-old Mississauga woman Marion Rewa, has also been charged with one count of fraud over $5000 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.
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CHCH News April 13, 2017
Former Employee Accused Of Defrauding Region of Halton Of $770,000
Mr. Nicolas Rewa, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Rewa, P.Eng.
Charged
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Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
CHCH News April 13, 2017
Former Halton Employee Sentenced To 3 Years For Defrauding Region
A former Public Works manager with the Region of Halton is accused of defrauding the municipality of roughly $770,000 since 2008.
Nicolas Rewa, 55, is facing numerous charges including fraud over $5000, municipal corruption, and laundering proceeds of crime for allegedly fraudulently awarding contracts to Hamilton-based company, Sirron Systems Inc.
An employee with Sirron Systems Inc., fifty-five-year-old David Norris of Stoney Creek, is facing similar charges.
The fraud unit says they began looking into Rewa, a 17-year Halton employee, after the arrest of another former employee in August 2016.
Rewa’s wife, Marion, is also charged with fraud over $5000 as well as possession of property obtained by crime.
All three suspects are expected to make a court appearance on May 9.
#HaltonCorruption # Rewa #Ohashi #Norris #SirronSytems #PEO
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Article: The Hamilton Spectator April 13, 2017
Former Halton Public Works Manager Charged With Fraud
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. and Mr. David Norris, Sirron Systems Inc.
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris, Sirron Systems Inc.
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Sirron Systems Inc.
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Fraud and Corruption
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Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator - April 13, 2017 by Nicole O'Reilly, Reporter
Former Halton Public Works Manager Charged With Fraud
Halton Region's former public works manager, his wife and a Hamilton contractor are facing fraud charges over an alleged scheme that police say included laundering money through municipal contracts.
The $770,000 fraud began in 2008 and included falsely billing the region through contracts to Hamilton-based Sirron Systems Inc., Halton police allege.
The company administers software that monitors and runs water plants.
Det. Sgt. Chris Lawson called it a "rather elaborate scheme," that involved billings sent to the region for supplies or labour that were fake.
Some was used to build a house and the money would flow back to Sirron and eventually some of it to the former public works manager, he alleged.
Police executed six simultaneous search warrants on Tuesday — one in Toronto, two in Peel Region, two at Halton Regional offices and one in Stoney Creek.
The investigation began after the August 2016 arrest of another former employee, David Ohashi, who oversaw waste water initiatives and was charged with three counts of accepting secret commissions, three counts of municipal corruption, fraud under $5,000 and using a forged document.
Now police have charged Nicholas Rewa, 55, of Mississauga with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts municipal corruption, two counts of secret commissions, and one count each of laundering proceeds of crime, and property obtained by crime.
He was fired earlier this week.
Also charged is his wife, Marion Rewa, 45. She's charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.
David Norris, 52, of Stoney Creek is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts municipal corruption, two counts of secret commissions and one count each of laundering proceeds of crime and property obtained by crime. He's the head of Sirron Systems Inc.
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Article: Burlington Gazette April 13, 2017
Regional Police Fraud Unit Charge Former Region Of Halton Employee
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. Mr. David Norris, Sirron Systems Inc.
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris, Sirron Systems Inc.
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Sirron Systems Inc.
Mr. Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng.
Mr. David Norris
Fraud and Corruption
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Nicholas Rewa, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
Burlington Gazette - April 13, 2017 by Staff
Regional Police Fraud Unit charge former Region of Halton employee
An investigation that started in 2015 has resulted in a number of criminal charges being laid by the Halton Regional Police – Regional Fraud Unit (HRPS-RFU) against a former Region of Halton employee.
It is alleged the 17 year former employee defrauded the Region of Halton of approximately $770,000 since 2008 by fraudulently administering /awarding Region contracts to a Hamilton based company named Sirron Systems Inc.
The HRPS-RFU became aware of Nicolas REWA’s fraud after the arrest in August 2016 of another former employee, David OHASHI, who was charged with similar offences.
HRPS – RFU have arrested and charged in relation to this incident:
• Nicolas REWA, 55 years, Mississauga, (Halton Region – Public Works Manager) is charged with 2 counts of Fraud over $5000, 2 counts Municipal Corruption, 2 counts Secret Commissions, 1 counts Laundering proceeds of crime, and 1 count of Property obtained by Crime,
• Marion REWA, 45 years, Mississauga, (wife of Nicolas Rewa) is charged with 1 count of Fraud over $5000, and 1 count of Possession of property obtained by crime,
• David NORRIS, 52 years, Stoney Creek, (Sirron Systems Inc. employee) is charged with 2 counts of Fraud over $5000, 2 counts Municipal Corruption, 2 counts Secret Commissions, 1 counts Laundering proceeds of crime, and 1 count of Property obtained by Crime.
The accused are scheduled to appear in Milton Provincial Court on Tuesday May 9th, 2017.
Anyone who may have information about this investigation is being asked to call investigators at the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext 8739.
Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
#HaltonCorruption #Ohashi #Rewa #Norris #crime
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Article: The Hamilton Spectator September 17, 2016
Halton Region Manager Accused Of Getting Mercedes, Las Vegas Trip As Kickbacks
Former Manager Facing Charges Of Corruption, Fraud, Kickbacks And Forgery Involving Infrastructure Projects Worth Tens Of Millions
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
David Ohashi, a former manager with Halton Region, Faces Eight Charges Including Fraud And Corruption. - Oakville Beaver file photo
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng
Eight Charges
Fraud and Corruption
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Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator September 17, 2016 by San Grewal
The Star September 17, 2016 by San Grewal
Halton Region Manager Accused Of Getting Mercedes, Las Vegas Trip As Kickbacks
Former Manager Facing Charges Of Corruption, Fraud, Kickbacks And Forgery Involving Infrastructure Projects Worth Tens Of Millions
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
David Ohashi, a former manager with Halton Region, Faces Eight Charges Including Fraud And Corruption.
A Halton Region manager who oversaw infrastructure projects worth tens of millions of dollars is facing allegations that he received a Mercedes Benz, renovations to his house and a trip to Las Vegas as kickbacks for helping companies get contracts.
In a case being called "extraordinary," David Ohashi, a 16-year veteran with the region who oversaw Halton's waste water initiatives, faces eight charges, including three counts of accepting secret commissions, three counts of municipal corruption, fraud under $5,000 and using a forged document.
"This was one of those investigations where everywhere I turned something corroborated what was being investigated," said Det. Const. Keith Nakahara, who is handling the case for the Halton police fraud unit.
Ohashi, 56, was "released from employment" after an internal investigation, according to Halton Region.
He was scheduled to make his first appearance in Milton court Tuesday, but the matter was postponed for two weeks.
Nakahara said that while Ohashi was overseeing projects worth tens of millions of dollars, it's important to understand that the amounts involved in the allegations against him "are very, very small compared to the value of the projects.
The alleged profits he made personally was a very small amount . . . some of his alleged benefits weren't even financial."
According to the charges filed in court, Ohashi allegedly accepted a 2010 Mercedes C300 for granting a contract to a construction company, as well as airfare to and from Las Vegas for granting a contract to a separate company.
He allegedly accepted home renovations from a third company.
Nakahara said none of the companies have been charged.
The forgery charge is for an alleged expense claim for travel outside Canada that was not for work. The charges don't make clear where the alleged trip occurred.
Nakahara said it appears from his investigation that some "sub-parts" of projects overseen by Ohashi were not needed.
"Part of the Crown's theory will be that some of these sub-parts were unnecessary, that the public paid for some things that it didn't need, but that's before the courts," the officer said.
He said the investigation is ongoing. The allegations haven't been tested in court.
Outside court, Ohashi's lawyer Domenic Basile called the case "extraordinary" but wouldn't comment on anything else regarding the charges. Ohashi, a Mississauga resident, didn't respond to a request for comment for this article.
Halton Region spokesperson Heather Anderson said Ohashi was "released from employment" in January 2016.
She said the allegations have hit the local government hard.
"We are very concerned and disappointed about the charges laid against this former employee," she wrote in an email. "The administration and employees of Halton Region are committed to the highest standards of corporate accountability, transparency, responsibility and integrity.
These allegations, if proven, would be inconsistent with the values and behaviors of the dedicated 2,500 Halton Region employees who serve taxpayers and make a tremendous contribution to our community every day.
Halton Region continues to fully co-operate with police."
Anderson wrote that the region "has a rigorous Code of Conduct and a comprehensive Corporate Fraud Policy.
We have a robust program of controls in place to prevent or identify inappropriate behaviour including: a strongly adhered to purchasing bylaw, and related policies and procedures and an internal audit group."
Nakahara said there is no indication any other any other Halton staff were involved in the alleged offences.
He also said that because the investigation found no other staff involved, senior officers and the Crown's office determined there was no conflict of interest with the region's police force investigating.
Toronto Star
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Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Private Investigators August 9, 2016
Mississauga Man Faces Fraud, Corruption Charges
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng. Halton Region Corruption
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng
Fraud, Corruption
Charges
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David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Private Investigators in Toronto and Mississauga
Via the Hamilton Spectator By Steve Arnold, Business Reporter
A former Halton Region official has been charged with fraud, corruption and taking kickbacks in connection with the handling of more than $100 million in construction projects.
The charges against David Ohashi were announced Wednesday morning by Halton police in a news release.
Police said the charges followed a year-long investigation prompted by an anonymous tip last year.
The investigation centred on allegations the veteran manager “gained personal benefit between November 2010 and January 2016 by providing confidential information and advantage to contractors that he had personal relationships with.”
Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga, was fired from his $125,000-a-year position as manager of Plant Capital and Engineering in January after 16 years with the region.
He faces charges of fraud under $5,000, use of a forged document, three counts of municipal corruption and three counts of accepting secret commissions.
“Ohashi’s position within the region also permitted him to approve maintenance and/or construction to the region’s infrastructure that was later deemed not necessary or without justification,” the police news release said.
“Ohashi also submitted altered business expense claims to the region for personal travel outside of Canada.”
The police charges are allegations only. Nothing has been proven in court.
Det. Const. Keith Nakahara, of the Halton police fraud bureau, said in an interview that Ohashi’s position gave him control of construction projects for the region’s sewer and water treatment facilities.
“These were complicated projects that allowed someone to misrepresent details about the contracts,” he said.
“He had the chance to create a situation where companies he wanted to succeed could win contracts.
Nakahara said the charges levelled Wednesday concern three large projects valued at more than $100 million.
He would not specify the projects because the investigation is continuing into some of the companies involved in those contracts.
Nakahara said the investigation was a complicated affair that included obtaining more than 15 judicial authorizations — basically search warrants — to access banking and other institutional records.
Throughout the course of the probe, he added, Halton region officials co-operated at every stage. Officials also conducted an internal probe that led to Ohashi’s firing on Jan. 21.
Police added “the investigation did not uncover any information that would indicate wrongdoing by any other current or former member of the Region of Halton.”
Halton staff, citing ongoing legal proceedings, refused to elaborate on how an alleged fraud could go on for more than five years without being uncovered.
“Because of the legal proceedings, we are unable to comment on specifics. We have fully cooperated with the police investigation and will continue to do so,” regional spokesperson Stacey Hunter said in an email exchange.
“Halton Region has a rigorous code of conduct and a comprehensive corporate fraud policy.
We have a robust program of controls in place to prevent or identify inappropriate behaviour including: a strongly adhered to purchasing bylaw, and related policies and procedures and an internal audit group,” she said.
“We are confident we have the systems and oversight in place to protect the taxpayer.”
Regional chair Gary Carr, through the communications staff, refused further comment. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring, also a regional councillor, similarly refused comment through his staff.
In a telephone interview, planning and public works committee chair Colin Best said the question of how the alleged frauds went on so long will be covered in a report the committee expects to receive at its Sept. 3 meeting.
Despite the allegations, he said taxpayers can be assured their money is being properly handled.
“That’s why we have our control measures, to ensure that the taxpayer’s interests are protected,” he said.
Ohashi is scheduled to appear in court in Milton on Sept. 13.
Halton police ask that anyone with information relevant to the ongoing investigation call the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, through haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting Tip201 with a message to 274637.
Summary
Article Name
Former Halton regional manager faces fraud, corruption charges
Description
A former Halton Region official has been charged with fraud, corruption and taking kickbacks in connection with the handling of more than $100 million in construction projects.
The charges against David Ohashi were announced Wednesday morning by Halton police in a news release.
Author
Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc - Private Investigators in Toronto and Mississauga
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Article: Daily Commercial News August 5, 2016
Former Region of Halton Employee Charged With Corruption
Halton Region Corruption
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng.
Charged
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, A Online Novel
HALTON REGION, ONT. —A former Region of Halton manager of plant capital and engineering is facing several charges after being accused of rigging construction jobs and accepting secret commissions.
Excerpt from:
DCN News Service August 5, 2017
According to a Halton Regional police statement issued Aug. 3, David Atsushi Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga, Ont. is charged with fraud under $5,000, use of a forged document, three counts of municipal corruption and three counts of accepting secret commissions.
His charges come after an extensive police investigation that began in 2015, police state.
It is alleged the former employee, who worked for the region for 16 years, benefited from providing confidential information and giving advantages to contractors that he had personal relationships with.
This alleged activity occurred between November 2010 and January 2016.
"Ohashi’s position within the region also permitted him to approve maintenance and/or construction to the region’s infrastructure that was later deemed not necessary or without justification," the police release states.
"Ohashi also submitted altered business expense claims to the region for personal travel outside of Canada."
The Halton fraud unit received anonymous information in 2015 from an unknown source which spurred the investigation into action.
According to police, the investigation did not uncover any other wrongdoing by other current or former employees of the Region of Halton.
The region also initiated its own internal investigation into this matter and subsequently dismissed Ohashi from his position on Jan. 21, 2016. Ohashi is to appear in Milton, Ont. provincial court on Sept. 13.
Anyone with information about this investigation is being asked to call investigators at the fraud unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739.
Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville, the release reads.
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Article: The Hamilton Spectator August 4, 2016
Former Halton Regional Manager Faces Fraud, Corruption Charges
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng
Fired!
Prostitution Of An Profession Series, A Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
The Hamilton Spectator August 4, 2016 by Steve Arnold, Busineess Reporter
Former Halton Regional Manager Faces Fraud, Corruption Charges
Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga, was fired from his $125,000-a-year position as manager of Plant Capital and Engineering in January after 16 years with the region.
He faces charges of fraud under $5,000, use of a forged document, three counts of municipal corruption and three counts of accepting secret commissions.
"Ohashi's position within the region also permitted him to approve maintenance and/or construction to the region's infrastructure that was later deemed not necessary or without justification," the police news release said. "Ohashi also submitted altered business expense claims to the region for personal travel outside of Canada."
The police charges are allegations only. Nothing has been proven in court.
Det. Const. Keith Nakahara, of the Halton police fraud bureau, said in an interview that Ohashi's position gave him control of construction projects for the region's sewer and water treatment facilities.
"These were complicated projects that allowed someone to misrepresent details about the contracts," he said. "He had the chance to create a situation where companies he wanted to succeed could win contracts.
Nakahara said the charges levelled Wednesday concern three large projects valued at more than $100 million.
He would not specify the projects because the investigation is continuing into some of the companies involved in those contracts.
Nakahara said the investigation was a complicated affair that included obtaining more than 15 judicial authorizations — basically search warrants — to access banking and other institutional records.
Throughout the course of the probe, he added, Halton region officials co-operated at every stage. Officials also conducted an internal probe that led to Ohashi's firing on Jan. 21.
Police added "the investigation did not uncover any information that would indicate wrongdoing by any other current or former member of the Region of Halton."
Halton staff, citing ongoing legal proceedings, refused to elaborate on how an alleged fraud could go on for more than five years without being uncovered.
"Because of the legal proceedings, we are unable to comment on specifics. We have fully cooperated with the police investigation and will continue to do so," regional spokesperson Stacey Hunter said in an email exchange.
"Halton Region has a rigorous code of conduct and a comprehensive corporate fraud policy.
We have a robust program of controls in place to prevent or identify inappropriate behaviour including: a strongly adhered to purchasing bylaw, and related policies and procedures and an internal audit group," she said. "We are confident we have the systems and oversight in place to protect the taxpayer."
Regional chair Gary Carr, through the communications staff, refused further comment. Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring, also a regional councillor, similarly refused comment through his staff.
In a telephone interview, planning and public works committee chair Colin Best said the question of how the alleged frauds went on so long will be covered in a report the committee expects to receive at its Sept. 3 meeting.
Despite the allegations, he said taxpayers can be assured their money is being properly handled.
"That's why we have our control measures, to ensure that the taxpayer's interests are protected," he said.
Ohashi is scheduled to appear in court in Milton on Sept. 13.
Halton police ask that anyone with information relevant to the ongoing investigation call the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 8739.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, through haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting Tip201 with a message to 274637.
905-526-3496 | @arnoldatTheSpec
#HaltonCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #SirronSytems #PEO
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Article: CTV News August 3, 2016
Region Of Halton Employee Charged After Allegedly Approving Unnecessary Construction
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng
Charged!
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David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
CTV News August 3, 2016 by Rachael D'Amore
Police have laid fraud charges against a man who previously worked as an employee with the Region of Halton after he allegedly approved unnecessary construction work for the region.
The Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit says an investigation was launched in 2015 after an anonymous tip pertaining to the manager of Plant Capital and Engineering at the Region of Halton.
Police say the man worked with the region for 16 years and that his position allowed him to approve maintenance and construction contracts for infrastructure projects in Halton.
According to police, the man provided confidential information to contractors he had personal relationships with “for his own personal gain.”
Police allege the man also approved maintenance and construction work that was later deemed unnecessary.
It is further alleged that the man submitted falsified expense claims to the Region of Halton for personal travel outside of Canada.
Following an investigation in conjunction with the Region of Halton, an employee was dismissed from his position as of Jan. 21, 2016.
A suspect identified as David Atsushi Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga has been charged with fraud under $5000, use of a forged document, three counts of municipal corruption and three counts of accepting secret commissions.
He is expected to make an appearance in Milton Provincial Court on Sept. 13.
Police added that no other “current or former member of the Region of Halton” was found guilty of wrongdoing in relation to the investigation.
Anyone who may have information about this case is being asked to call investigators at the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 8739 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
#HaltonCorruption #Ohashi #Norris #SirronSytems #PEO
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Article: CP24 News August 3, 2016
Region of Halton Employee Rigged Construction Bids, Took Kickbacks: Police
David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
News
Mr. David Ohashi, P.Eng
Charged!
Prostitution Of A Profession Series, An Online Novel
David Ohashi, P.Eng. - Halton Region Corruption
Excerpt from:
CP24 News August 23, 2016 by Chris Herhalt
Region of Halton employee rigged construction bids, took kickbacks: police
Halton Regional Police say they have arrested and charged a former regional government bureaucrat who allegedly provided insider information to companies bidding on municipal contracts and accepted kickbacks for rigging bids.
Investigators say an anonymous tip in 2015 prompted them to begin probing the conduct of the manager of Plant Capital and Engineering at the Region of Halton.
Police found that the manager, who had worked with the region for 16 years, “gained personal benefit” by “providing confidential information and advantage to contractors that he had personal relationships with.”
The manager also approved construction or maintenance work that was later found to be unnecessary.
Police allege the kickback scheme lasted from Nov. 2010 to Jan. 2016.
He is also accused of submitting fake expense claims to the region for personal travel outside of Canada.
After an internal investigation was conducted by the Region of Halton, the manager was dismissed from his job on Jan. 21.
A suspect identified as David Atushi Ohashi, 56, of Mississauga was charged with fraud under $5,000, using a forged document, three counts of accepting secret commissions and three counts of municipal corruption.
He is scheduled to appear in court in Milton on Sept. 13.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Halton Regional Police’s fraud unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 8739, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
#HaltonCorruption #Ohashi #PEO
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