Devon McKendrick
CTVNewsWinnipeg.ca Digital Editorial Producer
A Manitoba man has been sentenced to 18 months of house arrest for keeping over $13,000 raised through an ice-fishing tournament intended for charity.
Christian Lillyman, 40, pleaded guilty to fraud after he and his partner were arrested in December 2022 for failing to transfer funds raised through the Full Tilt Winter Walleye Tournament to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
Lillyman had organized the fishing derby in early 2021, pledging that the proceeds would benefit the foundation. The event raised more than $22,000 in entry fees, with roughly $9,000 distributed as prizes. However, the remaining $13,000 intended for the charity was never delivered, causing significant distress to the foundation and its staff.
Stefano Grande, the president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, described the breach of trust as deeply upsetting, noting that the staff felt “sadness, anger, and significant worry” after learning the funds had been misappropriated.
Lillyman’s defense lawyer explained that the defendant had initially intended to deliver the funds but faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lillyman, who was self-employed as a painter, had seen his business contracts dry up, and he reportedly borrowed from the charity funds in hopes of repaying them once his financial situation improved. Unfortunately, he was unable to do so, leading to the fraudulent activity.
While Lillyman has since found employment and has paid back $3,000 to the foundation, the court ordered that he make monthly payments to repay the remaining $10,000. Failure to comply with the restitution payments could result in jail time, with Judge Dale Schille warning Lillyman to adhere to the agreement.
As part of the sentence, Lillyman will serve 18 months under house arrest and will continue to be held accountable for the stolen funds through monthly restitution payments.