A pre-trial conference is scheduled for next month for a former treasurer with the Coquitlam Little League (CLL) accused of theft and fraud.
The conference hearing for Coquitlam resident Terri Michael will take place on Aug. 25 at Surrey Provincial Court; a follow-up hearing is slated for Sept. 6 at Port Coquitlam Provincial Court.
A pre-trial conference allows both the prosecution and defence sides to identify facts in the case before a justice, as well as to clarify issues. There also may be an attempt to reach a resolution through a voluntary agreement.
Michael, 65, has not entered a plea on the two counts:
- theft over $5,000
- fraud over $5,000
Michael was charged in May in connection to a loss of more than $150,000 from the club’s account.
League president Sandon Fraser told the Tri-City News in August 2020 that more than $226,000 had disappeared.
The discovery was made between May 12 and June 26 that year when CLL started to get questions about refunds for the season that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus — a year after its 11/12 All-Star team represented Canada at the 2019 Little League World Series.
Michael was the club treasurer between September 2014 and August 2020 while her husband, Bruce, was CLL’s secretary.
In a May 12, 2023, statement that’s posted on the website, Fraser thanked the community for its support during a “difficult time” for the league.
