Chatham ex-cop ‘sorry’ for $250K fraud of loved ones
While in uniform, former sergeant took loans from friends, family, co-workers
A disgraced ChathamKent police sergeant says he “cannot be more sorry” for betraying the trust of the family and friends he defrauded of nearly $250,000. Robert Mugridge — who throughout the case became the latest poster child for bad Ontario cops soaking up pay cheques for years while under suspension — was in Superior Court in Chatham Friday for his sentencing hearing. But the 53-year-old will have to wait until Sept. 17 to learn his fate. Justice Scott Campbell wanted to give the decision consideration given the magnitude of the case and its public interest. Between January 2009 and December 2014, Mugridge fraudulently obtained loans from family, friends, co-workers and other acquaintances, sometimes borrowing money while in full police uniform and twice while at police headquarters. Court heard he used the money to live beyond his means and keep up his family’s lifestyle. Mugridge pleaded guilty in August 2017. In a brief statement to the court, Mugridge said he was embarrassed by his conduct. “It was never my intent for any of this to happen,” he said. Assistant Crown attorney Adam Campbell said he’s seeking 12 to 15 months in jail, noting the sentence must be seen as a deterrent given the amount of money involved and the breach of trust.
But defence lawyer Lucas O’Hara said placing Mugridge on house arrest for two years less a day, plus three years of probation, would be appropriate. O’Hara referenced Mugridge’s mental health and efforts to make restitution to victims. “He always wanted to provide for his family,” he said, noting his client didn’t want to imply he was making excuses.
O’Hara said Mugridge was “petrified” of losing his wife and children, and ended up borrowing from one person to pay back another. Mugridge became so desperate that he attempted suicide. “At the time, he had lost touch with reality,” O’Hara said. O’Hara said, as a former police officer, Mugridge would need to be in segregation or protective custody in jail, and incarceration would impact his employment and ability to pay the remaining amount. He said Mugridge now works at a factory.
“He’s not a danger to committing further offences,” O’Hara said. O’Hara said his client has been “humiliated for his actions” and experienced the breakup of his marriage.
He asked that if there is a custodial sentence, that it be served on weekends so Mugridge can keep working. “(Otherwise) it’s going to be very difficult to get a job,” he said. Factoring in the restitution to date — and several victims who’ve stated they’re not seeking repayment — he said $115,000 is still outstanding.
The prosecutor said he felt some sympathy for Mugridge, and that it’s reflected in his sentencing submissions.
Mugridge was suspended with pay for more than three years, collecting nearly $400,000 in salary before resigning at the beginning of 2018 while on the eve of finally being fired after a typically long discipline process. Ontario is the only province where police chiefs can’t suspend without pay officers facing serious criminal charges.