A man who pleaded guilty to defrauding his late father of more than $91,000 will spend the next year behind bars after leaving the 89-year-old “emotionally crippled.”
Steven Clement, 60, was sentenced to 12 months in prison on one count of fraud over $5,000 after Ontario Superior Court Justice Danial Newton wrote, “It is beyond question that this fraud had a significant impact on Fernand Clement given his age, health and financial circumstances.”
Clement, from Thunder Bay, Ont., was granted power of attorney in December 2011 when his 83-year-old father was hospitalized. Shortly thereafter, nearly $69,000 was transferred from the father’s accounts to pay off a joint line of credit Clement had with his wife. A total of $91,530 was taken from the father’s accounts.
The 89-year-old became aware there was a problem when his supportive housing rent cheques bounced. When he went to the bank, he discovered his accounts were not only empty, but overdrawn.
“He was severely stressed and saddened by the realization that his son had taken all his savings,” said Newton.
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