Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley dealt with her Election Act charges in a Cayuga criminal court on Tuesday, being fined but appearing to hold onto her mayoral title.
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Bentley faced four charges over her spending during the 2022 fall campaign for Haldimand mayor, where she was accused of not documenting her advertising in an extensive complaint filed by Lisa Richardson.
Bentley’s vote count well surpassed incumbent mayor Ken Hewitt, despite the fact he spent a larger budget on the race. Hewitt was also beaten by second-place runner-up Jake Vandendool.
“The hearing was yesterday in Cayuga and it was concluded, but we are awaiting official court transcripts,” said Haldimand communications spokesperson Kyra Hayes.
“It is our understanding that the mayor will retain his elected seat on council.”
Instead, Bentley pleaded guilty to the charges and will pay a fine.
Her lawyer previously told The Expositor the charges against his client were “politically motivated” after she won the race despite spending the least amount of money.
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