Fraud case mired in delay

Photo: Contributed

Two men involved in a hockey fraud scandal in Penticton did not appear in court as scheduled on Wednesday.

Michael Elphicke and Loren Reagan face charges of fraud of $5,000, theft over $5,000 and unauthorized management of a lottery scheme linked to a hockey trip to Europe that never happened.

Elphicke, one of the men associated with the Okanagan Elite Hockey Association, has already pleaded not guilty, while Reagan has not yet entered a plea.

An agent acting on behalf of Reagan's lawyer told court they are seeking an adjournment to June 24.

The alleged offences took place in July 2011 in Penticton.

The two men have been in legal trouble linked to the hockey trip, while Reagan was also involved in a failed hockey dorm project.

The company that was to arrange financing for the dorm filed a lawsuit and, in early 2013, notices of civil claims were filed by companies involved in work at the project site, next to the South Okanagan Events Centre.

A group of minor hockey parents also filed a lawsuit against the association for misusing more than $100,000 that was to fund a Europe trip for minor hockey players. The trip ended up being cancelled.

The Elphicke matter is set to fix a date on June 24, while Reagan is slated for an election of mode of trial.

People at the court for this specific case said outside the courtroom they have no idea where Reagan is.

They just want to see justice done because he has hurt too many people, they said.