Tue, Oct 19 - 4:53 AM

http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1207731.html

WINDSOR — A Hants County man serving a prison sentence for defrauding three Nova Scotia health authorities of $408,000 is facing more charges.

Cary Lee Hollett, 43, of Belmont Road, near Windsor, was charged by police Monday with money laundering and possession of property obtained by crime.

His wife, Michelle Ann Hollett, 45, is facing the same charges, as police continue to investigate the case, focusing now on assets the couple allegedly obtained as a result of fraudulent activity.

Officers from the provincial proceeds of crime unit executed a search warrant last Thursday on two residences on Belmont Road owned by the married couple.

They seized several household items, including electric appliances and tools, said Insp. Ken Goodine, officer in charge of the unit.

The unit was formed in 2009 to seize property obtained through crime. Police have also obtained court restraint orders on two residences located on the Hollett property, and on several prepaid household accounts, Goodine said in an interview.

The restraint orders prevent the owners from selling or disposing of the property before court proceedings. Cary Hollett was convicted of three counts of fraud in Windsor provincial court July 21 and sentenced to 3½ years in prison. He was also ordered to repay $145,412 to the Annapolis Valley regional health authority, $125,422 to South Shore district health and $137,242 to the South West Nova health authority.

He was charged last year after the three health authorities, which share financial services, contacted police after discovering significant accounting irregularities. Hollett was employed as an accounts payable clerk at Annapolis Valley health’s Kentville offices at the time.

The three health authorities have also launched a civil suit against the Holletts, seeking repayment of $408,000.

Goodine said there are two dwellings on the Hollett property, and both are subject to restraint orders. Michelle Hollett is still living in one of the homes. The couple also has a young daughter.

Goodine said the two dwellings and the items seized from them are believed to have been obtained through criminal activity.

The two accused were ordered to appear in Windsor provincial court in December for arraignment.