Former Baddeck chief administrator avoids jail time after pleading guilty to theft
The former chief administrative officer of the Village of Baddeck, Megan Cooper, will not be facing any fines or jail time after pleading guilty to stealing over $19,000 from the village’s bank account. Cooper, 38, was terminated from her position in 2021 due to complaints of incomplete paperwork, outstanding tax and water bills, and unpaid contractors.
During a virtual sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Cooper had been participating in the restorative justice process for the past two years. The Crown did not oppose the defence’s recommendation of a conditional discharge for Cooper. In her apology to the court, Cooper expressed deep regret for her actions, stating, “I loved Baddeck very, very much and I am truly, truly sorry for everything that I did to damage that community.”
Judge Peter Ross accepted the joint recommendation for a conditional discharge and 18 months of probation for Cooper, ordering her to repay the stolen amount of $19,488.13. He acknowledged the impact of Cooper’s actions on her personal life, including the loss of her job, marital issues, and having to relocate to Halifax, away from her children. Despite the discharge, Ross warned Cooper that she must adhere to a strict set of probation conditions, including mental health and addiction counseling.
Cooper’s defence lawyer, Jennifer MacDonald, revealed that Cooper was battling alcohol addiction and facing financial struggles at the time of the theft. Cooper has since been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has been sober for over two years. The Village of Baddeck suffered significant financial challenges and damage to its reputation as a result of Cooper’s actions, according to a victim impact statement.
The village was left in disarray following Cooper’s termination, with two years of unresolved financial statements and a substantial budget deficit. Nova Scotia’s municipal affairs minister, John Lohr, had to intervene by issuing orders for the village to hire accountants and implement better financial management policies. It took considerable effort for the village to recover financially, including filing insurance claims and hiring a new chief administrator.
In conclusion, Megan Cooper’s sentencing reflects the complexities of her situation and the efforts made to rectify the damage caused. The Village of Baddeck has emerged stronger from the financial turmoil, thanks to dedicated efforts to rebuild and improve its financial management practices.
