Betsy Trumpener · CBC News
A former financial manager at the Elizabeth Fry Society in Prince George, B.C., was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for embezzling nearly $240,000 intended to support vulnerable women and girls. Rhonda Lee Bailey, also known as Rhonda Lee Camozzi, pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000, acknowledging her theft over a five-year span.
During her sentencing hearing, Judge Peter McDermick outlined the details of Bailey’s fraudulent activities. Between 2013 and 2018, she executed over 1,000 unauthorized transactions using the organization’s credit cards, claiming she needed the funds to “maintain her children’s lifestyles.” The stolen money was spent on personal vacations, flights, hotels, meals, online shopping, dog kennel fees, and luxury items such as Lululemon clothing.
The judge noted that Bailey abused her position of trust, financial knowledge, and familiarity with the organization’s policies to conceal her actions. Having worked at the Elizabeth Fry Society for 12 years, her misconduct came to light during a financial audit in 2018, which ultimately led to her dismissal.
In court, Crown prosecutors expressed that Bailey’s actions had profound negative effects on the organization’s ability to assist clients, leaving staff feeling betrayed and deeply affected by the loss of funds that could have helped others. The judge acknowledged numerous positive character references for Bailey, who was described as a loving mother and role model. However, he emphasized that her positive attributes facilitated her position of trust, enabling her fraudulent activities to go undetected.
Bailey chose not to speak at the hearing, but her defense attorney read a written statement in which she expressed her remorse for the “stress and heartache” caused by her actions, wishing she could change the past.
The judge highlighted several aggravating factors, including Bailey’s betrayal of trust, the scale and duration of her crimes, and the significant number of victims impacted. He deemed the situation “grave,” leading to the sentencing of two and a half years in prison. Bailey is also ordered to repay the full amount stolen.
As supporters of the Elizabeth Fry Society exited the courtroom, Bailey was allowed a final embrace with family and friends before being taken into custody. Her defense team had sought a non-custodial sentence, proposing house arrest and a repayment plan.
The Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society, along with its sister organization, provides essential services including transition homes for victims of domestic violence, support for pregnant women and young children, counseling, and housing assistance for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Bailey was a well-known figure in the community, having competed as a curler under her maiden name, Rhonda Camozzi, and was part of the team that won the B.C. Scotties Tournament of Hearts title in 2015.