Another Cop who could legally steal your car, gets charged!

OPP cop charged in $15-million fraud
Wed, May 13, 2009
By SUN MEDIA

GREAT JOB DALTON

TORONTO - A veteran OPP sergeant is among four people charged after Bombardier was defrauded of more than $15 million.

The officer, a 28-year member of the force assigned to the Toronto detachment, will be appearing in court this morning.

The investigation began in January, 2007 as a result of information received by the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in relation to criminal allegations against the officer, the OPP said in a news release today.

Police allege the officer and a female business associate conspired with two employees of Bombardier Incorporated to defraud the company of in excess of $15 million through fraudulent activity and secret commissions.

The Bombardier employees no longer work for the company, police said.

The investigation relates to three distinct incidents, the OPP said.

OPP Sgt. Pierre Chamberland said the allegations against the officer have nothing to do with his duties as a police officer.

He said the officer and his business associate owned a company together and they were allegedly receiving contracts for aircraft repairs with help from the two Bombardier workers.

"There was also some overcharging and other things going on," Chamberland alleged.

Sgt. Michael Leonard Rutigliano, 49, of Mississauga, is charged with corruptly giving a secret commission, three counts of conspiracy, laundering the proceeds of crime, fraud over $5,000, two counts of obstructing justice and breach of trust by a public officer.

Barry Pierson, 56, of Thornhill, and Maurice Clark, 46, of L’Orignal, Ont., are charged with corruptly receiving a secret commission, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime and fraud over $5,000.

Lynda Viola, 46, of Woodbridge, is charged with conspiracy, laundering the proceeds of crime and fraud over $5,000.

Rutigliano, Clark and Pierson are being held in custody pending a bail hearing in Brampton today.

Viola has been released on an undertaking to appear in Brampton court on June 8.

Anyone with information is urged to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.