A Cumberland woman who is facing charges of fraud following a police investigation into her three child-care facilities in the Comox Valley will make her next court appearance Jan. 5, 2012.
Victoria Ann Rutenberg, 37, is charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000.
In June, Comox Valley RCMP commenced an investigation following a tip from the public, and worked jointly with the Ministry of Children and Family Development's fraud unit.
Rutenberg made her first court appearance Thursday, with defence lawyer Robert Miller acting as agent for her lawyer, Doug Marion.
Rutenberg is the owner of After School Fun, formerly operating at Cumberland Elementary School; After School Fun Club, formerly operating at Royston Elementary School; and Fun Club After School Care, formerly operating at Courtenay Elementary School.
Comox Valley RCMP note she is alleged to have fraudulently received funds from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Child Care Operating Fund Program.
The Child Care Operating Funding Program provides operational funding to eligible licenced groups and licenced family childcare providers.
The funding support is intended to assist licenced child-care providers with the cost of providing care. Funding amounts are based on enrolment and hours of care.
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