Hi. I need some advice on what is enough evidence for the police to take the next steps in charging an individual, with grounds for prosecution and conviction under criminal law.
The individual is a CPA and at the time of the alleged actions was married to a member of the Victorian Police Force. They are now separated and not sure what their marital status is at the moment. This individual was a sporting clubs treasurer (volunteer role) and the paid book keeper for a kindergarten.
The individual has been under investigation by the Victorian police since April 2013 and was being investigated by 2 detectives relating to reports lodged by 2 separate institutions, a sporting club and a kindergarten. Both matters relate to alleged theft and fraud of monies. The sporting club had approximately $20K unaccounted for when the committee officially approached the treasurer with their concerns. The kindergarten is substantially more and has been quoted by various people to be around 2-3 times the amount mentioned above. Both reports have been made via the committee’s presidents with the backing of their committees. The detail provided below relates to the sporting club whom I was president of during the time that the treasurer is alleged to have conducted these crimes.
The main areas of concern are:
The police have been provided with the following evidence:
The current and previous president in myself are at a complete loss as to how much evidence the police need to progress and why they have dropped this case. I need some opinions on what police procedure / policy is on these matters and what rights we have to an independent review?
The individual is a CPA and at the time of the alleged actions was married to a member of the Victorian Police Force. They are now separated and not sure what their marital status is at the moment. This individual was a sporting clubs treasurer (volunteer role) and the paid book keeper for a kindergarten.
The individual has been under investigation by the Victorian police since April 2013 and was being investigated by 2 detectives relating to reports lodged by 2 separate institutions, a sporting club and a kindergarten. Both matters relate to alleged theft and fraud of monies. The sporting club had approximately $20K unaccounted for when the committee officially approached the treasurer with their concerns. The kindergarten is substantially more and has been quoted by various people to be around 2-3 times the amount mentioned above. Both reports have been made via the committee’s presidents with the backing of their committees. The detail provided below relates to the sporting club whom I was president of during the time that the treasurer is alleged to have conducted these crimes.
The main areas of concern are:
- Missing cash monies of approximately $8K on 2 separate dates in September 2012 and October 2011. Estimated $4k in cash on both of the above dates. Cheques for $3,700 not deposited for over 5 months. Missing from clubs 2012 presentation day in September 2012 until 19/2/2013.
- The individual was confronted officially by the committee on 12/2/2013 where 5 committee members were present including two members taking down hand written notes.
- The missing cash in 2012 was taken after the conclusion of the clubs annual presentation day in September 2012. The individual acting as clubs treasurer set up a table at the front of clubs home base hall with another volunteer (who is willing to be a witness) to receive monies for registrations, uniform sales, raffle and bbq takings. Individual was asked by 3 committee members to bank cash and cheques on numerous occasions between October 2012 and February 2013. At above mentioned meeting on 12/2/2013 individual claimed to still having cash and cheques and agreed to bank these immediately. Three days later cheques were deposited along with and account transfer of $4229.15. This was not a cash deposit. What happened to the cash?
- The missing cash in 2011 was taken after the conclusion of the clubs annual presentation day in October 2011. The individual acting as clubs treasurer set up a table at the front of the hired hall with another volunteer (who is willing to be a witness) to receive monies for registrations, uniform sales, raffle and bbq takings. At above mentioned meeting on 12/2/2013 individual claimed to have reimbursed the club by cheque or credit card. No such transaction ever occurred. When asked this question again at a further meeting in April 2013 the individual gave a different answer stating that the president was given this money and they stole it.
- $8,700 credited to the individuals credit card through unauthorised refunds via the clubs Eftpos facility. Only $417 can be justified from invoices supplied later by individual. Other invoices individual supplied in an attempt to justify the credit card reimbursements were already paid by the clubs approved payment method of dual signed cheques. Amounts and dates of invoices do not match amounts and dates that were credited to the individuals credit card.
- Individual wrote cheque out in cash for $600 signed by themselves and president (President was silly enough to sign some open cheques with treasurer during early stages of treasurers time with club). Cheque image obtained by bank shows individuals initials above the word ‘Cash’ when presented to teller at bank.
The police have been provided with the following evidence:
- Bank statements for the relevant periods including before and after treasurers time with club
- Transaction records of all unauthorised Eftpos refunds to the individuals credit cards
- Independent audit conducted by accounting firm.
- Treasurer did not submit financials for 2 years to consumer affairs Victoria
- All supporting meeting minutes from committee, including hand written notes from meeting with treasurer when confronted with clubs concerns.
- Others supporting documentation and relevant emails.
The current and previous president in myself are at a complete loss as to how much evidence the police need to progress and why they have dropped this case. I need some opinions on what police procedure / policy is on these matters and what rights we have to an independent review?