Guilty verdict in SFO fraud case

Media Release

14 April 2014

Guilty verdict in SFO fraud case

Michelle Roberta Innes (59) has been found guilty today in the Auckland District Court to Crimes Act charges laid by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

In a trial completed today, Ms Innes had faced 10 charges comprising theft, theft by a person in a special relationship, and theft by person required to account. The charges carry a maximum term of seven years’ imprisonment. Ms Innes was found guilty of all 10 charges.

The SFO investigation, which started in August 2011, found that between 2001 and 2008 Ms Innes used over a million dollars entrusted to her by her sister as well as using a Pauanui property owned by her sister as security for mortgages for her own benefit.

SFO Director, Julie Read said, “Fraudsters often target those close to them where there is a trusted relationship. It is important to ensure that there are proper checks and controls when you entrust your money to others no matter what your relationship with that person might be.”

Ms Innes has been remanded on bail and will reappear for sentencing on 13 June.

ENDS

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