Resolution delayed in Maberly Fair fraud case

Carol Jackson and Jeff Green | Jan 23, 2019

Members of the Maberly Fair Board were in the Town of Perth Court on Monday morning (January 21st) for the fifth appearance by Bonnie Palmer, the former Treasurer of the Fair, on charges of fraud over $5,000.

They had been told that Palmer, who was represented by legal counsel on the four previous court dates but had not appeared in person, would be in attendance and would plead guilty on a plea arranged between her lawyers and the Crown.

Fair Board members had been told that they would have an opportunity to deliver an impact statement before sentencing in the case.

The court convened at 9:30 but Palmer’s lawyer, who had several cases on the docket, was not in attendance. He arrived after the morning break, and told the Judge that Ms. Palmer and the Crown have not settled on a dollar figure for restitution.

The Judge has asked for the negotiation to be completed by January 28th, and the return date in court is February 4th for a plea to be entered or trial date to be set.

Members of the Fair Board expressed frustration at the further delay. Multiple sources have pegged the board’s losses, in the matter, at over $25,000.

Palmer was the Treasurer of the Fair until early in 2018. She also provided catering services for the Fair dinner on at least one occasion.

The Fair takes place on the 4th Saturday in August, and has run continually since 1882. It is set for August 24 in 2019