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A delayed disciplinary case involving a Hamilton police sergeant who submitted $960 worth of false medical benefit claims is moving forward.

Sgt. Jason Howard’s Police Services Act hearing will resume at the end of March with new hearing officer Terence Kelly.

Howard’s case was delayed in January after the death of the previous hearing officer, Robert Strathdee, a retired Toronto police superintendent.

Strathdee had heard all the evidence but reserved judgment on the matter, police prosecutor Marco Visentini noted during a conference call Tuesday.

Kelly and lawyers on the case will review case material before resuming the hearing on March 30 at the King William Street station.

Howard pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct in July, admitting he filed 22 false claims to Manulife between January and October 2013.

He argued some of the claims were the result of bookkeeping errors while Visentini asserts the false claims were deliberate. Hamilton police want Howard dismissed.

Related criminal charges were withdrawn against Howard last year.


Source: The Hamilton Spectator