Manny Baron’s lawyer says the former Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Petrolia plans to clear his name.
Baron – who resigned from his post in November amid controversy about some buildings he owned – is charged with breach of trust by a public official. Phillip Millar says he’ll plead not guilty.
In October, The Independent found Baron owned two buildings being used by the town for a youth/senior centre and storage. He didn’t disclose publicly he owned them.
Despite saying he didn’t receive any money, records obtained by the Municipal Freedom of Information Act show he received at least $7,000 from the municipality to improve the units. Another $2,400 was paid in rent.
Town council asked John Fleming to investigate Baron’s dealings and the CAO’s resignation was accepted the same day as town council received Fleming’s report.
The OPP began an investigation and in March charged Baron, who is now the CAO of Mapleton Township.
The charges were read in Sarnia Court for the first time Monday. Baron did not attend. Nor did his lawyer, Millar, who had London defense lawyer Nick Cake, speak to the charge.
Cake told Justice of the Peace JP Shortt Millar need a month to look over the evidence collected by the OPP. The case was put over until May 14.

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