Lawyer charged following investigation of allegations of misappropriation of client funds

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has charged a Hawkesbury-area lawyer following allegations that more than $500,000 was misappropriated from multiple clients.

In December 2024, the SFO commenced an investigation after the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit received concerning complaints of suspected misuse of client trust funds related to legal services.

As a result of the investigation, Marc Gauthier, age 44 of Casselman, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code:

·      Theft over $5,000 – three counts

·      Laundering proceeds of crime

·      Criminal breach of trust

The accused has been released from custody and was to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 

The SFO acknowledges the important contributions made by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).