Head of RBG feels betrayed by fraud

Video updated The CEO of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington says he feels “betrayed” after the arrest of one of their long-time employees.

Ethel Gallant, 70, of Hamilton is charged with three counts of fraud following $350,000 in unauthorized cash advances drawn on an RBG corporate credit card. The transactions took place between May 2007 and May 2012.

RBG CEO Mark Runciman says Gallant worked there for over 20-years as the accounts payable administrator, before retiring last year. “We had a staff meeting yesterday morning. We wanted them to know, they’re a main part of our family, and we wanted to get it out there.”

“We didn’t want them to read about it, and the room was absolutely silent. It was just a state of shock. And throughout the day it was some anger and some real sadness, so it’s been tough on our family.”

It’s alleged that Gallant knew the RBG’s system very well and was able to spread spending around the organization so she wouldn’t raise any red flags. She’ll be in court in Milton early next month.

Sean Cowan has this midday update.