Sexual assault centre reports possible misappropriation of funds to Halifax police

The Avalon Sexual Assault Centre in Halifax has reported analleged misappropriation of funds to Halifax police.

A Halifax police spokesperson confirmed that the matter is under investigation but declined to give further details.

According to anews release from the centreon Wednesday, auditors found "significant financial issues" in early 2021.

It said the board of directors contracted a chartered professional accountant to conduct a full review of the organization's finances and to provide guidance on issues found in the audit.

The accountant identified discrepancies related to the expense reimbursements of an Avalon employee.

The release said an external investigator was brought in subsequently to complete a financial review of previous fiscalyears.

The investigator reported in Junethat "it appearedas if one employeemisappropriated funds from Avalon over the course of four years," the release said.

In an email asking for details, Meaghan Norris, chair of Avalon's board of directors, said she could not comment on an ongoing investigation or a human resources matter.

She said Avalon continues to provide "service and support for survivors of sexualized violence."