The man who defrauded the Thames Valley District School Board of over $1-million has been sentenced to two years behind bars.
David Ferguson, 56, was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison and three years probation. He pleaded guilty in October to fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust by a public official.
Ferguson was a voice telecommunication specialist for the school board. He admitted that, between January 2007 to August 2014, he bought more phone equipment than needed and then sold it privately, pocketing the cash.
When asked by the judge why he did what he did, Ferguson replied "greed and materialism." He said "if I had realized what I was going to lose, it would have stopped me dead in my tracks."
An eight page statement of facts was submitted to the court ahead of the sentencing, along with letters of reference from Ferguson's two sons, sister, and members of his church.
The Crown noted that Ferguson has paid back as much as he is able to pay as he sold the equipment for far less than it was worth. Ferguson has repaid $375,000 of the $1-million the TVDSB lost. The school board is pursuing another $125,000 from him in civil court.
Phillip Millar, Ferguson's lawyer, told the court the former board employee spent a lot of the money on "younger females... pleasure seekers." Millar said Ferguson did not try to put money aside and "will be committed for the rest of his life to making up for his transgressions." He is exploring the possibility of becoming a pastor.
When given a chance to address the court, Ferguson repeatedly apologized.
"I humbly regret my conduct and sincerely apologize," said Ferguson.
He said he regrets that he won't be married to the "love of his life" as his marriage collapsed as a result of his actions.
Before handing down the sentence the judge told Ferguson to ask himself "would any of this have ended had you not been found out?" The judge did credit him for admitting his guilt but said his actions have damaged the confidence the public has with institutions.
In addition to the jail term and probation, Ferguson will have to complete 100 hours of community service.
