St. John's, N.L. — St. Bonaventure’s College in the capital city has reported it has been defrauded and has fired its staff accountant.
In a statement issued to students, parents, staff and alumni members by the board of governors and College president Friday, it states, “In the last 72 hours, we have become aware that our school has been the victim of significant misappropriation of college funds.”
It went on to say, “The full extent of the activity is not yet known, but an investigation by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has been launched.”
The RNC confirmed to The Telegram Friday morning that it received a report of fraud from the College on Wednesday afternoon. Const. Geoff Higdon said no further details would be released at this time, as the investigation is in the preliminary stages.
The college’s statement indicated that staff is co-operating with police in the investigation and that the college has retained legal counsel. It has also begun the process of launching an external and independent forensic audit.
“We are confident that the current situation will have no impact on school operations,” it said. “We have taken steps to secure all school assets and, as such, the situation is now contained.”
St. Bon’s, now operated as an independent kindergarten to Grade 12 Catholic school, was founded by Bishop Thomas Mullock and officially opened on Oct. 4, 1857.
It has graduated several outstanding community leaders, including three prime ministers of Newfoundland, one premier, two Lieutenant Governors, two Newfoundland Supreme Court Chief Justices, five senators, three mayors of St. John’s, 26 Rhodes scholars, six archbishops and six bishops, according to the school’s website.
The school was reopened in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Michael Bautista and a group of dedicated parents. It’s been affiliated with the Jesuits since then.
The statement from the college indicated the alleged fraud came as a huge surprise, but vowed to get to the bottom of it.
“We are truly shocked and disappointed that we have to inform you of this information on the eve of our Easter break. It is not something we ever thought would be possible within our walls.
“We will leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this and we have put the right systems in place to see that through.
“We take this situation very seriously and fully commit to our parents, students, staff, alumni and benefactors that we will be responding in all ways necessary to ensure this can never happen again within our school.”
Since it is an active police investigation, college officials are unable to provide further details at this time.
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