Lawyer convicted in fraud and forgery case

A former Barrie lawyer was convicted of both fraud and forgery in Superior Court on Sept. 24th, in connection with a false mortgage scheme.

Myles McLellan, 56, has had a continuing trial in Barrie since January. He was charged in 2006, following an extensive investigation by South Simcoe Police in relation to a mortgage fraud involving an elderly victim. At the time, McLellan operated offices in both Innisfil and Barrie, known as The Law Store.

The judge in the case, Justice Ann Mullins, was brought in from an outside court jurisdiction to hear the matter, because McLellan was a local lawyer. McLellan did take the stand in his own defense.

"I find McLellan was deceitful; I do not believe his evidence," said Mullins, in her closing remarks.

McLellan will be back before the courts on Jan. 11th for sentencing. His licence to practice law was suspended earlier this year by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

For more information on investment fraud, visit the Ontario Securities Commission website at www.osc.gov.on.ca.