UPDATE: Former Vaughan legion president, treasurer charged with fraud

UPDATE, 9:50 p.m.: One of the persons charged with fraud in the case is Josie Fedele, a staffer in the constituency office of King-Vaughan MPP and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.

Lecce confirmed that Fedele was in his office’s employment before the charges were laid.

“Upon learning of the charges against Ms. Fedele, her employment was immediately suspended. At no point was my office made aware of this investigation, until the YRP statement today,” Lecce said in a provided statement.

Fedele has worked in Lecce’s office for several years and has been a media contact on several occasions. She also previously served as president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414.

Lecce said they would not comment any further as the matter is before the courts.

The other person charged in the case is also known as Nick Pinto, a former PC Riding Association president, former director and treasurer of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414, and Vaughan council candidate in 2018 and 2022.

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Two Vaughan residents have been charged in connection with a fraud involving a former president and former treasurer of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Woodbridge.

In January 2022, police began an investigation after receiving information about a former president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #414, who wrote cheques to herself using the legion’s account and using the funds for her personal use, York Regional Police said in a news release.

Through the investigation, it was learned that between 2017 and 2019, a suspect wrote herself 34 cheques and made seven electronic money transfers to her account totalling $33,518, police said. 

Another suspect participated by signing 24 of the written cheques, police said.

Both suspects have been charged with fraud-related offences.

Giuseppina Fedele, 56, and Nicola Pinto, 61, are each charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Current legion branch president Carmine Iacono said the organization would not comment on the matter.

“This matter is before the courts and as such we are not commenting on this matter,” Iacono said. “We have confidence in the judicial system.”