Trial set for woman accused of defrauding daycare

One of two women accused of defrauding the daycare they worked for has her trial set for next year.

Pamela Alice Tina Wheaton wasn't in the courtroom when her case was called in Newfoundland Supreme Court in St. John's Monday.

Wheaton — who is not in custody — was represented by lawyer John Kelly.

Kelly and Crown prosecutor Patricia Carpenter agreed to have the three-week trial begin March 7. Wheaton has elected to be tried by judge alone.

Carpenter indicated she will file an application to have a forensic expert from Halifax testify via video link. Kelly indicated he may file a possible Charter of Rights application.

Wheaton and Carmella Patricia Singleton are accused of swindling money while they were employed at the College of the North Atlantic daycare three years ago.

Singleton, 63, was the manager and Wheaton, 44, was a supervisor. Both were dismissed from their positions in February 2012.

They face nine charges of fraud over $5,000 and single counts of fraud under $5,000 and criminal breach of trust.

The women have chosen to take different directions in their court cases.

Singleton re-elected to have her case heard in provincial court, where she intends to resolve her matters. It means Singleton will likely plead guilty. Her case is due back in provincial court Sept. 21.

However, Wheaton has pleaded not guilty.

The women were charged following a police investigation, which happened after an internal review by the college.

The total amount of money involved is close to $100,000.