A Prince Edward County woman has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty in a large fraud case involving nearly $788,000.
Jennifer Simao received a 42-month sentence in a Belleville courtroom on Monday, minus six months for time served. She pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges and one count of obstructing justice.
Court heard Simao stole more than $700,000 from her former employer, Impacto Protective Products, in 2023. While awaiting trial, she was also accused of taking more than $5,000 from the Station Road Arts Collective. She later admitted to stealing over $70,000 from her elderly mother.
Justice Robert Horton said the crimes caused serious and lasting harm to victims, including financial loss and emotional damage. He noted the impact on both her mother and local community organizations.
The court also found Simao submitted fake medical notes to delay proceedings.
In addition to prison time, she faces restitution orders, forfeiture of seized property, and a 10-year ban on handling other people’s money or property.
