County of Lethbridge office. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge County employee charged in connection with $49,000 in internal theft

Aug 13, 2019 | 10:27 AM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – In May of 2019, the County of Lethbridge became aware of a theft and fraud by one of their employees.

Lethbridge Police was contacted and the case was investigated by members of the Economic Crimes Unit.

They found that Brandi Leanne Doucette, a 40-year-old local woman that works for the County, stole approximately $49,000 from the office between 2016 and 2019. Some of the money reportedly came from tax payments.

“We are saddened and disappointed at the outcome of the investigation,” reads a statement from Lethbridge County Chief Administrative Officer Ann Mitchell.

“We want to assure our citizens that although funds were misappropriated, no individual accounts were affected. Lethbridge County has since implemented several additional internal controls to mitigate any future risk and will be seeking restitution from the accused,” adds Mitchell.

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She has been charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, and altering documents.

Doucette was released on recognizance and will appear in court August 27th.

She is no longer employed by the County of Lethbridge.