Co-Founder of Disbanded Regina Non-Profit Receives Conditional Sentence for Fraud
Patricia Will, one of the founders of the now-disbanded Regina volunteer organization Queen City Patrol, has pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and received a six-month conditional sentence in the community, followed by one year of probation. The sentencing occurred in a Regina courtroom on Friday, where Justice Lana Krogan accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defense.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
According to an agreed statement of facts presented in court, Will knowingly accepted cash donations intended for Queen City Patrol between January 2020 and September 2021. She deposited these funds into her personal bank account, including a $1,500 monetary donation from an individual donor. Additionally, Will sold two vehicles that had been donated to the organization, generating a profit of $17,000, which she spent on personal expenses. The vehicles were valued at $32,200.
Crown prosecutor Jaco Erasmus emphasized that this constituted a breach of trust, noting that Will's actions involved mismanaging public donations. Justice Krogan echoed this sentiment, stating that such behavior could potentially reduce donors' willingness to support non-profit organizations in the future.
Sentencing Considerations and Previous Criminal History
During the sentencing, Erasmus drew attention to Will's criminal history, which includes six previous convictions between 1992 and 1999, at least one of which was for fraud. Justice Krogan acknowledged that this history indicated previous dishonest conduct but also noted that the convictions were dated. She considered Will's guilty plea as a factor that spared the court additional time and resources.
In addition to the conditional sentence and probation, Will is required to complete 20 hours of community service. She is also subject to an order prohibiting her from contacting or referencing on social media any of the donors named in the indictment. Furthermore, she cannot hold any employed or volunteer position where she has authority over property or money for a period of three years.
Background of Queen City Patrol and Will's Statement
Queen City Patrol was launched in 2019 as a volunteer-based group focused on picking up needles in Regina. The organization has since disbanded. When given the opportunity to speak in court, Will chose to highlight the group's work in cleaning up drug paraphernalia and providing overdose prevention training. "I felt we did a very good deed for the city of Regina," she said.
Will was charged with the fraud in May 2023, and her sentencing marks a significant development in this case, which has drawn attention to issues of trust and accountability within non-profit organizations.
