Manitoba woman handed jail sentence for impersonating athlete online
A reclusive northern Manitoba woman has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for impersonating people — including a professional athlete — online.
Shelly Chartier pleaded guilty in August to seven counts of fraud and other offences for a "catfishing" scheme that entangled the athlete in a child porn investigation and led to a raid of his home in 2012.
Her lawyer, John Skinner, said the 32-year-old woman, is devastated after being sentenced in her tiny community of Easterville, 500 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
"She is obviously devastated by the prospect of going to jail. It was obviously a possibility from the outset. She was aware of that fact. I don't think she is shocked. But she is disappointed. "
The Crown had requested 18 months in jail, while Skinner suggested a conditional sentence.
"Her mom is extremely upset because her mom has a serious medical condition and is bedridden. Shelly was the exclusive care giver to her. And that is going to be a problem for family," he said.
An agreed statement of facts submitted in court described Chartier as a lonely recluse with a Grade 6 education, who sent thousands of texts, emails, tweets and Facebook messages to create a complicated web of lies.
A publication ban prevents naming the athlete and other victims.
Skinner said his client could be out after serving two-thirds of her sentence.
"In theory, she would be eligible for parole even earlier than that, but that would be up to the correctional authorities."
Chartier could still be facing further charges in the United States.
Skinner doesn't know whether that is still coming.
He said he will discuss the possibility of an appeal with his client.
Skinner said Chartier has no previous record.
with files from the CBC's Marianne Klowak