FLORENCEVILLE-BRISTOL, NB – A 55-year-old woman from Greenfield, Beverley Dawn Kenneson, will return to provincial court on Friday, July 18, for sentencing after pleading guilty to a fraud scheme committed at a local drug store.
Kenneson, a long-time employee at Smith Drugs Ltd., appeared in court on July 15 before Judge Karen Lee, who reserved her sentencing decision until 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
The court heard that Kenneson, who was in charge of inventory and pricing, manipulated the store’s computer system to falsely alter sales and inventory records, allowing her to take various items for personal use without paying. The fraud occurred over a two-week period in July 2022, during which approximately $200 worth of goods were discovered under her desk.
Though the financial loss was minor, Judge Lee remarked the scheme involved a “complex method”, raising concerns about breach of trust in the workplace. Kenneson held a leadership role in the store and was found to have acted independently under the new store ownership.
Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan and Defence Counsel James Crocco jointly recommended three months of house arrest followed by 12 months of probation. Kenneson has no prior criminal record and has paid restitution.
During sentencing submissions, store owner Stacey Bergin read a victim impact statement, calling the fraud a violation of trust and describing the emotional and legal toll on the business and staff. Bergin noted she had faced a wrongful dismissal complaint after firing Kenneson, though no formal action followed.
Crocco explained that under the store’s previous ownership, employees were permitted to take home discontinued items. When policies changed under Bergin, Kenneson allegedly adapted her actions, but kept them secret.
The crown also requested that Kenneson undergo counselling and be banned from entering Smith Drugs Ltd. She is currently employed by her former boss, who had allowed such perks.
Judge Lee will issue the sentence on July 18.
