Investigators with the Laval Integrity and Ethics Office (BIEL) have arrested a woman on fraud charges after she allegedly used her access to a charity’s credit card to make unauthorized cash withdrawals and cover personal expenses.
Mélanie Payette, 48, was charged on March 26 with fraud over $5,000. She was released under certain conditions. Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking the public to come forward.
Payette was serving as the director of a non-profit organization. A financial audit revealed irregularities, prompting a police investigation. Authorities allege the fraudulent activity took place over more than a year and a half, between August 12, 2023, and January 9, 2025, and amounted to more than $53,000.
This is the second fraud case involving Payette. She was previously convicted in November 2025 for similar offences committed against another non-profit organization in the Joliette area. Police say she may still be working within community organizations.
The case is scheduled to return to court on June 22.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Mélanie Payette, or of fraud more generally, is encouraged to contact police confidentially via the Info-Line at 450-662-4636 or by calling 911 and referencing file number LVL-250206-032.
