Former Chief Charged With Trying To Buy Votes

Former Chief Charged With Trying To Buy Votes

Thursday, June 05, 2008 at 16:29

 

 

Charges have been laid against the former chief of the Red Pheasant First Nation.

 

50-year-old Charles Meechance faces seven counts under Section 125 of the Criminal Code.

 

He is accused of trying to influence the 2005 election that saw him elected to the office of chief.

 

The vote was controversial at the time and overturned on appeal less than a year later.

 

RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Carole Raymond says the information the Mounties have suggests the former chief used money in an effort to lobby voters.

 

Also charged in connection to the alleged scheme is 45-year-old Bert Benson.

 

Benson is also a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation.

 

He faces four counts in relation to the same election.

 

Both men will appear in a North Battleford courtroom on June 18th.