Charges laid in investigation into former Kingston and Area Taxi Commission

A forensic audit was authorized to look into financial irregularities into the commission.

An investigation into the business of the now former Kingston and Area Taxi Commission has resulted in charges.

Kingston Police announced on Thursday that a 50-year-old Kingston resident was arrested and charged, and later released with a future court date.

Investigators say the accused was responsible for the day-to-day operations and financial administration of the taxi commission. They allege the person redirected commission funds for personal benefit through unauthorized payments and false documentation.

Investigators say over $50,000 was fraudlently obtained from KATC.

This past April, City Council authorized a forensic audit over the financial irregularities of the taxi commision.

Councillor Brandon Tozzo, a former council representative on the commission, had asked for the audit saying he had serious concerns about the operations of the taxi commission that included not providing financial records to the board, and missed audited financial reports to the City.

He wouldn't comment on the arrest but did thank Chair and City Councillor Greg Ridge, the board of KATC, KPMG and city staff for their work on the forensic audit that helped lead to these charges.

Ridge also issued a statement saying the public expects transparency and accountability when it comes to the use of municipal funds and is pleased that the matter has been taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

We will have more details on this developing story.

Story by Ken Hashizume