A former treasurer of the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association has been found guilty of draining the organization’s finances. Cory Johnathon Smith, 37, used e-transfers to steal almost $45,000 within a seven-month period. Smith faced sentencing in Esterhazy, Sask., 180 kilometers east of Regina.
During court proceedings, Crown prosecutor Fred Fisher revealed that upon discovering the organization’s near-empty bank accounts, board members feared they might have to cancel the hockey season in Esterhazy. To cope with the financial loss, the association had to seek temporary relief from ice fees and launch fundraising campaigns.
The impact of Smith’s actions was severe, causing operational disruptions, straining volunteer efforts, depleting community resources, eroding trust, and jeopardizing programs for young athletes. The association expressed its distress in a victim impact statement.
The theft came to light when Glen Simon, the association’s president at the time, received complaints from businesses about unpaid bills. After investigating, Simon uncovered discrepancies in the financial reports provided by Smith during board meetings. Smith eventually admitted to the theft and repaid $20,000 initially, with the remaining $24,798 held in his lawyer’s trust account for repayment.
Smith was relieved of his duties as the association’s treasurer. Fisher noted that while the association required two signatures for cheques, e-transfers could be executed by a single individual. As a result, the association has since revised its policies to prevent such incidents.
The prosecution recommended a one-year conditional sentence for Smith, while his defense lawyer, Raman Sharma, argued for a two-year conditional discharge to avoid a criminal record. Sharma cited personal struggles, including a difficult separation and mental health issues, as contributing factors to Smith’s actions.
Despite expressing remorse and taking responsibility, Smith’s actions were deemed “truly irrational” by his defense. Sharma highlighted the severe consequences Smith has already faced, including public stigma, damaged relationships, and family turmoil.
Ultimately, Judge Ross Green sided with the prosecution, imposing a 12-month conditional sentence order on Smith. The conditions include a curfew, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, participating in mental health programs, full repayment, and issuing a written apology to the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association.
