Del Mastro and McCarthy Found Guilty of Elections Offences

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 31, 2014) - Today, in the Ontario Court of Justice, Dean Del Mastro and Richard McCarthy were found guilty of offences under the Canada Elections Act. The offences relate to the 2008 federal general election, in the electoral district of Peterborough.

Mr. Del Mastro was found guilty of personally paying an election expense, and thereby wilfully exceeding his contribution limit, contrary to sections 405(1), 497(3)(f.13) and 500(5).

Mr. Del Mastro and Mr. McCarthy were found guilty of:

• wilfully incurring election expenses in excess of the campaign expense limit, contrary to sections 443(1), 497(3)(p) and 500(5);
• providing an electoral campaign return containing a false or misleading material statement in omitting to report a campaign contribution and election expense, contrary to sections 463(1)(a), 497(3)(v) and 500(5); and
• providing a campaign return that did not substantially set out the required information by omitting to report a campaign contribution and election expense, contrary to sections 463(1)(b), (497)(3)(v) and 500(5). This count was stayed, at the Crown's request, following the finding of guilt.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of $2,000, one year in prison, or both. Sentencing will occur at a later date.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada is responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to law enforcement agencies across Canada.

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