Former Windsor Police Fleet Manager Admits to $31,000 Fraud Scheme
In a significant case of public sector misconduct, a former Windsor Police Service manager has pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges after misusing corporate credit cards for personal expenses totaling over $31,000. James Brush, who served as the police department's fleet manager for more than a decade, admitted his wrongdoing in an Ontario courtroom this week.
Details of the Fraudulent Spending
The fraudulent activity came to light through a detailed investigation by the Windsor police financial crimes unit. According to court documents, Brush used corporate credit cards issued by the Windsor Police Service for numerous unauthorized personal purchases between 2013 and 2024.
The total fraudulent spending amounted to $31,393, which included:
- $7,684 spent on 70 separate gasoline purchases between 2021 and 2024
- $23,709 spent on 57 purchases at car dealerships and auto parts centers from 2013 to 2024
Assistant Crown attorney Susan Landine presented evidence showing that Brush had used a corporate gas card while on vacation with his family, fueling both a corporate vehicle and his personal car during trips to Windsor, Barrie, and Burk's Falls, Ontario.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation began in June 2024 when the Windsor police financial crimes unit received allegations about Brush's improper use of corporate cards. Investigators obtained surveillance video from multiple gas stations showing Brush using the corporate Petro Canada gas card for personal purchases.
"It was apparent from the videos that he had brought his family on vacation using a corporate vehicle, which he fueled with his corporate gas card," Landine told the court while reading an agreed statement of facts.
Brush, now 49 years old, was initially arrested and suspended with pay in July 2024 before being terminated from his position. He was originally facing seven fraud-related charges, but following his guilty plea to two counts of fraud over $5,000, five additional charges are expected to be withdrawn.
Background and Position of Trust
James Brush had been employed by the Windsor Police Service since February 2007, starting as a technician before being promoted to manager of fleet and logistics in August 2012. In this civilian role spanning more than 17 years, he held significant responsibilities including:
- Overseeing maintenance, inspection, certification, and licensing of all police vehicles
- Managing the service's multi-year fleet acquisition plan
- Supervising police cruisers, motorcycles, boats, and other department vehicles
According to Ontario's Sunshine List, which discloses salaries of public employees earning at least $100,000 annually, Brush was earning more than $129,000 in the year he was arrested. This salary information highlights the breach of trust involved in his fraudulent activities, as he occupied a position of significant responsibility within the police service's operations.
Broader Implications for Public Sector Accountability
This case raises important questions about financial oversight within public institutions and the mechanisms in place to prevent misuse of taxpayer funds. The Windsor Police Service's internal investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings demonstrate how such misconduct is identified and addressed within law enforcement organizations.
The guilty plea represents a significant development in what began as an internal investigation into suspicious credit card usage. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial accountability within public sector organizations, particularly those funded by taxpayer dollars.
As the legal process continues, this conviction underscores the consequences facing public employees who violate the trust placed in them through their positions. The Windsor Police Service has taken decisive action in response to the misconduct, terminating Brush's employment and pursuing criminal charges through the justice system.
