The former finance director for the Sipekne’katik Band has been committed to stand trial on fraud, theft and breach of trust charges following a preliminary inquiry July 16 in Halifax Provincial Court.
Judge Michael Sherar ordered Jeff Hayes of Halifax to appear in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Halifax on August 6 to set a date for the trial. Hayes has elected to be tried by judge and jury.
Hayes, 60, faces a total of seven charges.
They include:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Theft over $5,000
- Breach of trust
- Possession of property obtained from crime (four counts)
The crown alleges the offences were committed between July 2009 and December 2010 while Hayes worked at the Sipekne’katik band office in Indian Brook First Nation, N.S.
Hayes’ preliminary inquiry began on July 9 and concluded on Thursday afternoon. A lawyer and two Sipekne’katik band councillors testified during the preliminary hearing. The judge issued a publication ban on testimony given during the preliminary inquiry.
An arrest warrant was issued for a fourth witness who failed to appear in court after receiving a summons. However, the judge rescinded the order at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.
