RE/22 f THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013
THE PICTON GAZETTE
County man must pay back $32,000 he gained from frauds committed against businesses and former employee Jason Parks
Staff writer
A Prince Edward County man pled guilty to fraud charges totalling around $32,000 in Picton's Provincial Court on Wednesday. James Miller was before Justice Geoff Griffin and admitted he defrauded a number of businesses both in and outside of Prince Edward County as well as a former employee. As part of the plea agreement and the sentence proposal drafted by Crown attorney Mike Lunski and defence attorney Bruce Campbell, Miller was handed a nine-month conditional sentence to be served
in the community followed by an 18-month probation term. As part of that sentence, Miller paid over $19,000 to businesses and individuals he defrauded over the past five years on Wednesday and will start paying the balance of the funds owed this fall in a quarterly payment plan that will last as long as his probation period. In accepting the co-operatively developed sentence, Griffin said Miller's actions strike at the heart of a small community and shake the sense of trust, pride and family in a small agriculture community like Prince Edward County. “That a member of the
community would steal has shaken the faith in the community,” Griffin said. “This shaking of faith is more significant because it came against small businesses and individuals, not large corporations.” Lunski said there was difficulty in developing the sentence being offered because there is a sense Miller should be going to real jail and serving a penal sentence. However, such a sentence would not allow for timely and full restitution to the victims. “He could have declared bankruptcy, possibly spent some time in jail and then moved away to another community, perhaps to Alberta
where he has made good money before as a heavy equipment operator,” Campbell said. “He's instead chosen to do what's right by staying and facing the issue and taking the hard road.” Griffin agreed Miller could have eluded the court, declared bankruptcy and fled the community and the justice noted his willingness to attend court and pay back the victims. He said he also understood Lunksi's comments about Miller receiving jail time. “It's hard not to put Jamie Miller in actual jail, he's worthy of jail but in some ways that would be easier on him,” Griffin said. “He could go in
there, hide, serve his time...It will be much harder on him to put him in the community and face some of the people he's victimized. It's also the only way restitution will be paid and if he' doesn't meet those obligations or stay within the conditions set out today, he will be going to jail.” As part of the sentence, Miller is to remain in the province Ontario, maintain employment, abstain from alcohol, participate in any counselling prescribed by the court or officer of the court. He is to reside at an approved residence and not to be anywhere else other then for the purposes of employment, medical emergencies
Enjoy panoramic water-views from almost every room in this executive home in an estate setting. 9 ft ceilings in lower level with large second master bedroom and walkout to the patio. Main living area, bright and spacious rooms with walkouts to the cedar deck. Custom kitchen, Diamastone countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-closing drawers, an abundance of storage. Perfect for entertaining, kitchen opens up to large dining room with wall of windows and 20 ft ceilings. Open-concept into living room with pot lighting throughout, new heat producing fireplace with glass door and built-in screens. Private suite and two spacious bedrooms for guests and family. Treed ravine leads to water`s edge or drive to protected cove below. Walking trails and room for a pool and tennis court. Home is beautifully landscaped with extensive gardens. Impeccable home in a desirable location, only minutes to Picton and ten minutes to the 401. $699,000 MLS 2130425 Gaill Forcht** & Sarah Scott*
Custom stone home. Picturesque, private setting, 525 ft. waterfront overlooking Cape Vessey. Almost new Dave Main built executive home. Abundance of light through numerous windows. Gourmet kitchen, gas range cooktop, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops. Grand master bdrm on main floor, ensuite, walk through closet. 2nd bdrm with ensuite. Guest suite on upper level with its own heat, 3 pce. ensuite bathroom plus sitting area. Family room boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking water. Great room with stone fireplace, open concept formal dining area offering south facing waterfront vista. Just under 5 acres of privacy to enjoy the sunsets and wonderful swimming. Close to Waupoos wineries, restaurants, marinas and fresh vegetables and fruit. $895,000 MLS 2130920 Gail Forcht** & Sarah Scott*
A stunning custom gem on the shores of Lake Ontario! This meticulously-designed home features exemplary finishes and classic proportions, and takes full advantage of its extremely private setting at the end of a four-season road. Radiant in-floor heating, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and several walk-outs. Wraparound verandah and pergola. Optional main floor master plus three more bedrooms and office. Your ideal waterfront retreat in The County! $719,000 MLS 2132704 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*
28 beautiful waterfront acres on South Bay, with 779 feet of shoreline! Perfect family retreat features a handsome 10-year old cedar shake bungalow with 3 bedrooms, and a complementary 2-bedroom guesthouse. Beautiful views and panoramas. Remarkable privacy – but just minutes to Picton! Lovely master suite, screened porch and hot tub terrace. A paradise for boaters or birders! $1,050,000 MLS 2132068 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*
REINVENT YOURSELF HERE! Wonderful log house on 8 acres features a private master retreat and a sunken living room with striking stone fireplace. Spring-fed pond with your own sand beach! Two additional cabins for rental income and a large commercially-zoned building for your dreams to happen: yoga centre? Art school? Plant nursery? Views of the Adolphus Reach, too! $875,000 MLS 2131989 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*
Rare Opportunity to own one of the most desirable properties in the County. Situated in the heart of Waupoos close to the Vineyards and Cider Co. Spectacular 6.8 acre parcel, over 500 ft. stunning waterfront, views to open water and over to Waupoos Island. Home is situated in private location close to the water, water views from walkouts to a wrap around deck. Includes a severed 1.81 acres lot. Custom built home, 12 in. walls, large stone fireplace in Great Room, vaulted ceiling, formal dining room. Impeccable birds eye maple floors on upper level, finished lower level with walk out to double garage. Spacious guest bath, bedroom, rec room with propane stone fireplace and workshop on the lower level. Well built and beautifully maintained. Dock included. Easy access for boat launching. Potential for another severance. $1,200,000 MLS 2131828 Gail Forcht** & Sarah Scott*
LIVE/WORK OPPORTUNITY IN WELLINGTON! Handsome commercial property in the heart of Wellington! Established waterfront restaurant offers huge potential growth. Approved plans for 5 guest rooms on second level – or develop your own waterside home “over the store”. Additional building on the site provides additional revenue. Ideal siting on Loyalist Parkway, beside the marina, and close to the Community Center. Your own home and business in the heart of Wellington! $895,000 MLS 2132060 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*
Surrounded by some of Prince Edward County`s most beautiful agriculture and green spaces, this c.1850`s brick Georgian style home sits on 80 acres of workable land and features over 1200 feet of waterfront. This property represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a beautiful and well maintained period building of the time after three generations of family stewardship. Original architecture of the home has been well preserved and includes exposed brick walls, hardwood flooring, rooms with barn beam and large trim accents, fieldstone fireplace and grand rooms for entertaining. Outside the home a large sun deck off the great room oversees the gardens and stone landscaping that enhance the tranquil setting of land with stunning panoramic views to the south over East Lake. Charm and privacy unite in pure country perfection! $1,295,000 MLS 2132990 Rob Plomer* & Kate Vader*
HIGH DRAMA ON THE ADOLPHUS REACH! Completely inspiring! This waterfront executive home features dramatic spaces and volumes, an abundance of natural light, and a decidedly spa-centric feeling. 17-foot indoor hydropool and sauna are accessible from the Great Room or from the sybaritic master suite. Separate guest areas, library and office. Overscaled hallways and staircase – and a wall of glass overlooking the Adolphus Reach! Beautiful landscaping features graded walkways, terraces and decks, and charming seating areas from which to enjoy the views! $895,000 MLS 2131687 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*, Monica Klingenberg*
BAY OF QUINTE EXECUTIVE! Much-admired stone house on the Bay of Quinte with exceptional design and incomparable finishes. Architectdesigned and professionally decorated with exquisite attention to detail. Don’t miss the screened terrace over the water, the sybaritic main floor master suite, the home gym and in-house media room, and the yacht basin. Priced far below replacement value, this is an outstanding opportunity to own one of Prince Edward County’s most beautiful houses! $1,650,000 MLS 2132010 Laurie Gruer*, Sam Simone*
www.homeinthecounty.com
www.homeinthecounty.com
www.homeinthecounty.com
Gail Forcht Broker
W
www.robandkate.com
www.lauriegruer.com
www.samsimone.com
Sales Representative
NE
www.lauriegruer.com
Ann Cooper
LD
www.samsimone.com
www.lauriegruer.com
Betty Burns
SO
www.samsimone.com
Office Manager Sales Representative
or other court matters. Griffin said is was difficult to understand how Miller ended up in this situation. “It's hard to understand how we got here today. From what I can tell you are not addicted to any drugs or living beyond your means, addicted to some lavish lifestyle as can be the case in these situations,” Griffin said. Miller's only reply was that he got himself into “real financial problems.” The original tab on Miller's fraud charges was originally set at $39,000, however, a bill owing worth around $6,000 was settled in the days leading up to Wednesday's plea and sentencing.
Laurie Gruer Sales Representative
Liz Jones
Sales Representative
Monica Klingenberg Peter Lynch Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Rob Plomer Sales Representative
Catherine Deluce Pres. & CEO Broker
Duane Russell Broker
Sarah Scott Sales Representative
Richard Stewart LLB Vise President Legal Counsel
Sam Simone Sales Representative
Lori Slik
Sales Representative
Kate Vader Sales Representative