Former MP and London Mayor Joe Fontana is facing three charges following an RCMP investigation, it was announced Wednesday.
Fontana’s lawyer, Gord Cudmore told CTV News his client has been charged with breach of trust, theft under $5,000 and uttering a forged document.
Fontana turned himself in and was charged Wednesday morning, but released on his own recognizance until his first court date, scheduled for Jan. 8, 2013.
Cudmore said the charges all relate to a $1,700 payment, but would give no further details.
In October, reports emerged that a federal cheque issued by Public Works Canada had been used to pay a deposit for the 2005 wedding of Fontana’s son, Michael. At the time, Fontana was a Liberal MP for the riding of London North Centre, as well as the minister of labour and housing. He was elected mayor of London in 2010.
In October, The London Free Press had quoted a man named Joe DiPietro, former general manager of a London reception hall called the Marconi Club, who alleged that that another Public Works-issued cheque from Fontana was used to pay off a $18,900 balance. DiPietro said it took him several months to chase down Fontana to collect the money owing.
The charges filed Wednesday appear to only be related to the alleged $1,700 payment.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
Cudmore said Fontana will be holding a news conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday to provide further details.
