Chid-care fraud case going to preliminary inquiry
A Cumberland woman who is facing charges of fraud following a police investigation into her three child-care facilities in the Comox Valley will attend a two-day preliminary inquiry.
Victoria Ann Rutenberg, 37, is charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000.
In June, Comox Valley RCMP commenced an investigation following a tip from the public, and worked jointly with Ministry of Children and Family Development's fraud unit.
Rutenberg made her second court appearance Thursday, with defence lawyer Eric Chesterley acting as agent for her lawyer, Doug Marion.
The case was sent to the judicial court manager to fix a date for the inquiry, which her lawyer will attend via telephone.
Rutenberg is the owner of After School Fun, formerly operating at Cumberland Elementary School; After School Fun Club, formerly operating at Royston Elementary School; and Fun Club After School Care, formerly operating at Courtenay Elementary School.
Comox Valley RCMP note she is alleged to have fraudulently received funds from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Child Care Operating Fund Program.
The Child Care Operating Funding Program provides operational funding to eligible licenced groups and licenced family childcare providers.
The funding support is intended to assist licenced child-care providers with the cost of providing care. Funding amounts are based on enrolment and hours of care.
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