RCMP say a Squamish accountant is facing fraud and theft charges alleging that two businesses were defrauded of a total of about $200,000.
Allyson Steffensen of Squamish has been charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000 and four counts of theft over $5,000, police said in a news release.
North Vancouver RCMP say that on July 13, 2019, a business owner called the North Shore Mounties to report they suspected their accountant had committed fraud. The offences reportedly happened between May 2018 and June 2019.
On Dec. 21, 2020, a second business owner called North Vancouver RCMP to report they suspected their accountant had defrauded the business of a large sum of money.
On Feb. 16, 2023, after an investigation, the BC Prosecution Service formally charged Steffensen, the release states.
These charges have not been proven in court.
Steffensen currently works for the Sea to Sky School District. She is listed on the SD48 website in the CUPE and TTOC payroll position.
The charges are unrelated to her position.
When reached by The Squamish Chief, a school district spokesperson said SD48 does not comment on personnel matters.
"That said, as a public institution and employer, the district is committed to ensuring its employees are treated respectfully and afforded fair processes, and to taking all steps necessary to ensure and protect the integrity of the public school system," said SD48 media spokesperson Jenn Morris in an email.
**Please note that this story was updated after it was first posted to include information about Steffensen's current position and how the school district is responding to the charges.
