The Trial of OPP Constable Glenn McLean: Crown to Drop “Some” Charges

BACKGROUND

Querat, also known as Karen Bedard, was arrested on November 20^th, 2013 and pleaded guilty on August 8^th, 2014 to charges of fraud over $5,000 – $129,927.74 to be exact. Querat, the former bookkeeper for Blind River’s Anishnabie Naadmaggi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre (ANGSAT), nicked 20,000 bucks from the centre between August 2012 and January 2013. The remaining $110,000 in misappropriated funds was embezzled after meeting her boyfriend, OPP Constable, Glenn McLean, on January 29^th, 2013.

Querat has alleged that McLean was a party to the embezzlement. On October 13^th, 2015, McLean appeared before Superior Justice Michael Varpio, at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse where he pleaded not guilty to 26 charges that ranged from stealing office supplies- an intoxilyzer and 33 liters of gas, to assault and threatening assault on Querat, to pointing a firearm, to fraud and theft from ANGSAT.

A warrant for Querat’s arrest has recently been issued by Timmins Police. Related to a former relationship with a man named Doug Perrault, Querat was charged with 2 counts of theft under $5,000; 1 count of making a forged document; and 1 count to use, deal or act on a forged document. Simply, Querat is charged with forging a cheque from Perrault.

Timmins Crown Attorney, Wayne O’Hanley and star witness, Karen Querat, were conspicuously absent from Court today.

Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio stated that it was his understanding that the Crown was seeking to proceed only on certain charges against Glenn McLean.

*****

So, what charges could the Crown possibly consider dropping? Let’s take a look at the 26 charges brought against McLean. *Note: McLean has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Count 1. Theft of an Intoxilyzer: An out of service intoxilyzer was found at McLean’s ex-wife’s house. Rumour has it during parties with friends and families everyone would blow into the machine to measure blood-alcohol levels.

Count 2. Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000: The Intoxilyzer.

Count 3. Fraud: Accused of defrauding the Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre of $16,480.74 by purchasing a 2013 Polaris RZR800. During Querat’s testimony text messages were presented where after McLean and Querat split up Querat begs for the RZR back saying that she wanted back what was hers, and what was purchased with money received from her father’s life insurance- or some discovered bond.

Count 4. Theft over $5,000: $16,480.74 (to purchase RZR presumably)

Count 5. Possession of Stolen Property: The RZR

Count 6. Theft Under $5,000: OPP has charged McLean with the theft of 33 litres of gas.

Count 7. Fraud: Accused of defrauding the Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre of $14,081.00 by purchasing a Pontiac motor vehicle (from Milltown Motors)

Count 8. Theft over $5,000:$14,081.00 (to purchase the Pontiac)

Count 9. Possession of Stolen Property: The Pontiac.

Count 10- 23. A combination of Assaults, Pointing a Weapon and Threatening Death/Bodily Harm: All related to Karen Querat

Count 24. Counsel Indictable Offence: Conspiring with Karen Querat to commit theft over $5,000 -$79,550.00 from the Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre.

Count 25. Counsel Indictable Offence: Conspiring with Karen Querat to steal over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 namely fraudulently using a VISA (Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre in Karen Querat’s name) to purchase a Polaris RZR ATV.

Count 26. Theft over $5,000: Theft of $79,550 from the Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre

*****

Though there has been no indication what charges the Crown will drop, it is worth noting that Count 1 and Count 2 are the only charges that are separate of any involvement or evidence provided by Karen Querat.

As Justice Varpio and Counsel for the defense, Bruce Willson, discussed next trial dates, Willson commented that it was unlikely that Querat will be returning to the witness stand.

This trial resumes on April 20^th, 2016.

Crown Attorney Carpools with Star Witness to Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse

Crown Credibility Raised by Defense Counsel

Trial of OPP Constable Glenn McLean: Black Robes Fly, Tempers Soar as Crown and Defense Grapple Before the Bench

1 Comment