Breach of trust case put over until May 14
The case involving a breach of trust charge against Mapleton CAO Manny Baron has been put over until May 14.
Baron did not attend a court date in Sarnia on April 16, when the case was adjourned to allow his lawyer time to obtain disclosure.
Lambton OPP filed the charge against Baron on March 26, following what police called a “lengthy” investigation.
The charge relates to Baron’s leasing of property he owned to the Town of Petrolia while he was CAO of the town. He did not disclose his ownership of the property.
Baron resigned on Nov. 14 after town-appointed investigator John Fleming presented a report to Petrolia council.
Despite his controversial exit, Baron was hired as CAO of Mapleton Township in January. At the time, Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll told the Advertiser the township had investigated the allegations against Baron and spoke to Petrolia Mayor John McCharles.
Upon his hiring, Baron conceded his ownership of the Petrolia properties constituted a conflict, but he said he was trying to contribute to the community, not profit from the transaction.
