Red Pheasant Man Admits To Buying Votes

Red Pheasant Man Admits To Buying Votes

Monday, July 20, 2009 at 13:40

 

 

A Red Pheasant First Nation man received a 15-month conditional sentence today for his part in a vote-buying scheme.

 

Bert Benson pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 during an appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court.

 

In the spring of 2005, Charles Meechance ran for chief and a number of political allies ran for council in a band election.

 

According to an agreed upon statement of facts, Benson gave varying amounts of money to voters who agreed to vote for Meechance and his slate of candidates by mail-in ballot.

 

Meechance was not in court today, but is expected in court July 30th.

 

His lawyer says, at that time, he will also plead guilty.

 

Crown prosecutor Mitch Piche says, to his knowledge, this is the first time election fraud on a Saskatchewan First Nation has been prosecuted.

 

As part of his conditional sentence, Benson must post an apology for his actions in the band office and other locations by September 1st.