Employee must also repay $4.38 million within 15 years or face additional five years in custody
A former Millbrook First Nation employee has been sentenced to 4½ years in prison for defrauding the community of more than $4 million over a four‑year period.
According to a statement from Millbrook First Nation, Dawn Marie Ellis‑Abbott admitted to defrauding the First Nation of more than $4 million between January 2016 and December 2019. She pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
During the sentencing on Jan. 2, 2026, at the Supreme Court in Truro, Ellis‑Abbott received a 4½‑year sentence at Nova Institution for Women, a multi‑level federal facility. She must also repay $4.38 million within 15 years or face an additional five years in custody if she defaults, according to a CBC report.
Additionally, the court imposed a 25‑year prohibition on Ellis‑Abbott “seeking obtaining or continuing any employment or becoming or being a volunteer in any capacity, that involves having authority over the real property, money or valuable security of another person.” She was also given a DNA order, noted CBC.
Cheques for personal use
Ellis-Abbott was accused of writing cheques for personal use between 2016 and 2019. Initially, it was believed that she had misappropriated $1 million from the First Nation but an RCMP investigation revealed that Ellis-Abbott had stolen more than $4 million, says the article.
“This crime has significantly impacted our community and no amount of time‑served will replace the economic opportunities and community benefits lost because of this selfish act from this former employee,” Millbrook Chief Bob Gloade said in the statement. “Although no length of incarceration or repayment can undo the damage done to our community and administration, I am disappointed, as I was hopeful for a longer sentence.”
Millbrook First Nation said the deception has had long‑lasting effects on its employees and community members, leaving many feeling disappointed and lacking trust and accountability in administration and leadership.
Chief Gloade thanked staff and community members for their support during the investigation and legal proceedings.
“I am thankful for the dedication and understanding that our Millbrook staff and community has shown over the last few years as we navigated this investigation and legal battle,” he said. “It has been a long, difficult road and I am looking forward to continuing to work on improvements with my team at Millbrook and rebuilding the trust that this individual compromised.”
The City of Ottawa recorded an increase in fraud reports for the second-straight year in 2024, according to a previous report from the city’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
How can employers prevent employee fraud?
Employee fraud is “a persistent threat to businesses of all sizes,” leading to financial losses, reputational damage and operational inefficiencies, according to employee fraud and enterprise risk management firm Protecht.
According to the firm, technology and workplace culture play critical parts in addressing employee fraud.
On the one hand, AI and data analytics, automated monitoring systems, and strong access controls and cybersecurity measures are all essential, and their effectiveness “depends on their seamless integration into existing systems.”
On the other hand, encouraging a transparent, ethical workplace where employees feel valued and accountable reduces fraudulent behaviour. Key strategies include whistleblower protection programmes, leadership commitment — executives setting the standard for ethical behaviour — and balanced oversight, avoiding “excessive scrutiny that may foster distrust while ensuring adequate controls are in place.”
“Preventing employee fraud requires a comprehensive approach that combines strong internal controls, advanced technology, and a risk‑aware organisational culture,” said enterprise risk management firm Protecht. “By educating employees on ethical behaviour, implementing robust financial oversight, and leveraging AI‑driven fraud detection, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to fraud.”
Previously, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Saskatchewan arrested a former provincial government employee in connection with a series of offences allegedly committed over a seven-year period. Tony Dou, of Saskatoon, was arrested on charges of breach of trust and money laundering following an investigation by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC).
