Special needs group victimized; executive director charged

The Include Program logo, as seen on its Facebook page. The executive director of the group, for people with special needs, has been charged with fraud and theft. (Facebook via Newswatch Group)

Update: On Nov. 18, 2016, the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder reported that charges against Juanita Cree had been withdrawn.

CORNWALL – The executive director of Cornwall’s Include Program is facing a number of fraud-related charges.

Juanita Cree, 53, was arrested Friday (April 8) and charged with fraud over $5,000, uttering forged documents and theft under $5,000.

Cree turned herself in to police headquarters to deal with the matter and was later released.

Police allege a woman forged a lease agreement with a computer company on behalf of the company she worked for and used a company credit card to buy items without the owner’s consent.

Cornwall Newswatch has learned the business was the Include Program – a service designed to enrich the lives of those with special needs in Cornwall and SD&G.

Juanita Cree is listed as its Executive Director, according to a profile in the telephone helpline 211 Ontario.

Contacted by CNW, Include Program Founder Art Levert Jr. said he was told not to comment on the matter as its before the courts.

As well, Levert couldn’t say whether Include Program and its programming were affected.

As of today (April 12), a date has not been set for Cree to appear in a Cornwall court.