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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Ex-employee accused of stealing from kids' theatre

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 11/21/2012 1:00 AM

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The former finance manager at MTYP has been accused of stealing more than $77,000.

The former finance manager of a Winnipeg theatre has been accused of stealing more than $77,000 in funds.

Kathleen Owen-Hunt, 38, faces five charges of fraud and theft following a lengthy police investigation, according to court documents obtained by the Free Press. She made her first court appearance last week and remains free on bail. No trial dates have been set and Owen-Hunt is presumed innocent.

Officials at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) raised alarms bells late last year after discovering money had gone missing between 2008 and 2011. They reported the matter to police and filed a civil lawsuit against Owen-Hunt, claiming she falsified records and manipulated company payroll.

In its affidavit, MTYP claims Owen-Hunt used the money to take trips, including to Disney World and Hawaii, and to purchase property in tropical locales. MTYP is seeking full repayment, with interest. The matter is before the courts with a hearing set for January.

Owen-Hunt began working for the theatre in 2006 and resigned in August 2011, according to court documents.

MTYP has made headlines recently for its off-stage drama, including severe cash-flow problems and a debt that has ballooned to $2.3 million. At its annual general meeting earlier this fall, staff and board members were told the company has registered a $495,155 operating deficit on its 2011-12 season. Auditor Ken Leslie said, "this organization has a going-concern issue," and could not continue without additional funding.

"MTYP is currently in financial crisis after surviving a number of other brushes with near-collapse," stated the financial report tabled at the meeting. The report went on to state the company's continued existence is dependent upon its ability to restore positive cash flows and profitable operations.

Also announced at the meeting was the formation by government funders of an interim management board to assist MTYP in developing a recovery plan.

-- with files from Kevin Prokosh

www.mikeoncrime.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 21, 2012 B3

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