A FORMER Frankston Council employee who scammed ratepayers out of nearly half a million dollars has been sent to prison.
Andrew Williamson, a former manager at Frankston Council, was sentenced in the County Court on 22 October. He was handed a 12 month prison sentence
Mr Williamson was sentenced on three charges. He was found guilty of obtaining property by deception to the amount of $460,872, attempting to obtain property by deception to the amount of $65,530, and misconduct in public office.
The former community development manager also received community correction orders of 30 months, 12 months, and 15 months for each of his three charges. These will be served concurrently.
The sentencing came after an investigation by Victoria’s peak anti-corruption body into Mr Williamson’s conduct. Allegations had been made that improper procurement practices were used to obtain Frankston Council funds.
Operation “Topi” was initiated by IBAC after a mandatory notification from Frankston Council. IBAC announced that Mr Williamson had been charged on 14 January last year, and he pled guilty to three charges in August 2020. A second man, Aiden Magnik, was also hit with charges.
Frankston Council CEO Phil Cantillon said “on behalf of our community we are pleased that justice has been served in this matter.”
“It was our strong auditing processes that picked up this irregularity in a timely manner, allowing us to promptly report it to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission for investigation,” he said.
“We will be closely following the trial of Mr Magnik as it moves forward next year.”
Public sector corruption or police misconduct can be reported to IBAC at ibac.vic.gov.au/report or by calling 1300 735 135.
