A former Windsor Police Service fleet manager who stole more than $30,000 from the police force through fraudulent credit card spending has been sentenced to 12 months in jail, with the judge describing his actions as motivated by "sheer greed." The sentencing decision was delivered by Ontario Court Justice Mikolaj Bazylko on Wednesday, who emphasized the need for deterrence and denunciation in such cases of public trust violation.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
James Brush, 49, who served as the automotive fleet manager for Windsor Police Service, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of fraud over $5,000. The charges stemmed from an internal investigation that uncovered more than a decade of improper spending using corporate credit cards. The fraudulent activities totaled over $31,000 and included purchases of car parts, personal gasoline fill-ups, and even family vacation expenses.
Sentencing and Judicial Commentary
Justice Bazylko rejected the defense's request for house arrest, stating there were "no exceptional mitigating circumstances that would justify a conditional sentence." Instead, the judge imposed a 12-month jail term, with Brush eligible for release after eight months. Following his incarceration, Brush will serve 12 months of probation.
"This fraudulent activity was committed to support a lifestyle that he couldn't afford," Justice Bazylko said during the sentencing hearing. "While I find the accused is trying to rehabilitate himself, and I encourage him on that path, general deterrence and denunciation must be the primary sentencing principle."
Additional Penalties and Restrictions
In addition to the jail sentence, Brush faces significant restrictions and financial obligations:
- He is prohibited from any employment or volunteer position involving authority over others' property or money for the next ten years
- He must provide a DNA sample to Windsor Police Service
- He is ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to the City of Windsor within four years
Justice Bazylko waived the $400 victim fine surcharge, calling it an "undue hardship" given the substantial restitution payment and jail time. The judge emphasized the importance of restitution, stating, "I think it's wholly appropriate for the accused to have to pay back this money. This will hopefully allow the accused, once he is released from custody, to be able to continue on with his employment and be able to save up money in order to pay back what he has taken from his previous employer."
Career Background and Investigation
Brush was hired by Windsor Police Service as a technician in 2007 and was promoted to manager of fleet and logistics in 2012. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance, inspection, certification, and licensing of all police vehicles, including cruisers, motorcycles, and boats. He also managed the service's multi-year fleet acquisition plan.
The investigation into Brush's activities began internally, with his own police colleagues uncovering the fraudulent spending. He was arrested and charged in July 2024 and was subsequently fired from his position. The Crown prosecutor sought a 12-month jail sentence followed by three years' probation, along with full restitution of the stolen funds.
Legal Proceedings and Family Impact
Following the sentencing hearing in a downtown Windsor courtroom near his former workplace, Brush was taken into custody. His lawyer, Shane Miles, described it as "a sombre day for him and his family" when speaking with reporters outside the Ontario Court of Justice building.
The case highlights the serious consequences when individuals in positions of public trust violate that trust for personal gain. The sentencing sends a clear message about the judicial system's approach to fraud cases involving public institutions and the importance of maintaining integrity in law enforcement agencies.
