Judge Vernon rejects woman’s claim of indigenous ancestry – Vernon News

Photo: Castanet file photo

A Vernon judge has rejected an offender’s claim of indigenous ancestry.

Angela Fagan was in Vernon provincial court Wednesday on charges of fraud and theft, where she claimed to be of Shawnee heritage.

Provincial court Judge David Patterson said he has not received a Gladue report – a type of report that provides insight into the circumstances of Indigenous offenders. He also said the Shawnee people Fagan claimed were not in Canada.

He noted that he had not been provided with any sold proof of her Indigenous ancestry, only a self-report from the woman.

“Everyone in Canada now knows that if you claim you’re indigenous, some judges might be more lenient. So what should I do with all that?” said Patterson.

It is not clear why a Gladue report was not completed, but Patterson did not accept Fagan’s Indigenous claims for use in sentencing.

Fagan pleaded guilty to one count of fraud under $5,000 and one count of theft under $5,000 stemming from two separate incidents.

In July 2022, Fagan and her boyfriend, who was described as the main culprit, posted an ad on Facebook renting out a fake basement suite in Alberta. The ad asked for a deposit and first month’s rent totaling $1,800 to keep the suite, which a victim transferred via email.

Then, in April of this year, Fagan was caught by Vernon Superstore loss prevention officers trying to leave with $165.77 in unpaid merchandise.

Fagan was sentenced to 12 months’ home detention with elements of restorative justice, based on the fact she had a nine-year gap on her criminal record.

Fagan must complete 50 hours of community service by July 31, 2025. She must also pay back the $1,800 she obtained fraudulently.