Clifford Gyles, Councillor for Ward 5. {The image above is from the City of Mississauga's own Council web-site and they can't even get something as simple as what Ward Councillors are in, right. You would think someone would notice there are two Ward 3 Councillors, wouldn't you?}
Clifford Gyles trial was heard - April 28 - June 6, 2003. He was found guilty of four criminal counts on June 25, 2003 and sentenced Sept. 10, 2003, and on that day he was, for the last time, voted out of office by City of Mississauga Council. Interesting that City Council just happened to be in secession in order to act so fast on the court ruling. Currently he is out on bail while his conviction is being appealed.
Clifford Gyles was convicted of two count each of municipal corruption and breach of trust receiving 2 1/2 years for accepting $25,000 of a bribe demand of $50,000, and two years concurrent for collecting $10,000 of a $20,000 bribe demand. Plus he had to return money - repay $10,000 he took from Mallet Dhaliwal & repay Peel police $6,600 of $25,000 in marked bills given to him by businessman Rick Benisasia (money he used to help with his legal bills.) As well as, losing his seat on Mississauga City Council.
He also faces two charges under the Municipal Election Act: exceeding the maximum campaign expense limit in 2000 and giving a financial statement and auditor's report that didn't reflect his election campaign expenses.
Posted Apr. 26-04 Is Gyles a reflection of society?A very damning editorial!
BREACH OF TRUST
&
DEMANDING AND ACCEPTING A BRIBE.
June 25 - 2003
For more details than the Media supplies.
Councillor Gyles arrested and charged with
Municipal Corruption,
Breach of Trust
and
Frauds On The Government.
Before going into this one sided account of how LARGE a bribe should be for a City of Mississauga Councillor to grease the wheel of government. Lets hear from Councillor Nando Iannicca (Ward 7), and what he said right in City Council chambers, "I am insulted if anyone of my constituents thinks you can bribe me for $400, it takes a lot, lot more." More on this here. It would appear Councillor Gyles feels the same way, maybe there is a price list kicking around City Hall. In the beginning developers knew how much it took to do business at City Hall and boy was it a bargain by today's standards!!!.
City's News Release Peel police's News Release below
Scanned copy - if errors let me know.
News Release
Visit us on our internet site at www.peelpolice.on.ca
Originator: Contact:
Chief Noel P. Catney Sergeant John Betts
Peel Regional Police Public Affairs Bureau
905-453-2121 ext. 4000 905-453-2121 ext. 4032
Re: Media Advisory 01-054.1
Date: February 20, 2001 Time: upon release
REGIONAL & CITY OF MISSISSAUGA COUNCILLOR ARRESTED
On Monday, February 19th 2001, at 5:45 p.m., Peel Regional Police intelligence and Fraud Bureau officers, concluded a month long intensive probe, which culminated in the arrest of a Region of Peel and City of Mississauga Councilor.
The investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint from a local businessman with respect to an allegation that he had been approached and requested to provide a sum of money, in exchange for political influence and consideration on a pending property zoning application. The inquiry entailed commencing a four-week investigation into the business activities of the accused. During this time, police surveillance officers witnessed two transactions where the accused received marked money from the victim.
At the time of the arrest, the accused was in his vehicle, in the area of Kennedy Road and Highway 401, in an industrial area of Mississauga. Police recovered $15,000.00 in marked Canadian currency within the interior of the vehicle. A search warrant at the accused's residence recovered a number of $100.00 marked notes from the first payment made to the accused by the victim.
Clifford Gyles, 57 years, of Mississauga, has been charged with Municipal Corruption, Breach of Trust and Frauds On The Government. On Tuesday, February 20 , 2001, he will be appearing for a Bail Hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice, 7755 Hurontario Street, Brampton.
Photograph of the accused can be seen by clicking on (cnw to put URL here).
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What is very interesting is this arrest took place the Monday of the week after Hazel's 80th Birthday celebrations, Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day). COINCIDENCE? I don't think so, I believe the Peel Police timed it so our dear sweet Mayor's Birthday celebrations would not be spoiled by this example of the kind of moral leadership she provides. No matter how you cut it the party is over, Hazel. I can assure you that we are waiting for others to fall and that Mr. Gyles is not the only rotten apple in the City of Mississauga's basket. And I wonder about Mr. Gyles, is he not very smart or does someone really want him gone. In the election he got nailed over the use of City property in his campaign and now this, that does smell like a set up.
Let me tell you, if I had a dollar for every time some one told me Mississauga's politicians are dirty, taking bribes, receiving all manner of kick backs and favours, I would be very rich today. Councilor Gyles, is not the only one taking more then his fair share. The only question now is how much damage control can an 80 year old lady do, as the spam hits the fan?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 20, 2001
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
MISSISSAUGA, ON – The City of Mississauga has received information about serious allegations under the criminal code facing Ward 5 Councillor Cliff Gyles.
The City of Mississauga cannot and will not pre-judge the merits of these allegations. Protecting the interests of its citizens continues to be the City's main objective.
The City is cooperating with Peel Regional Police on this matter and any questions should be directed to Sergeant John Betts, Peel Regional Police at (905) 453-2121, ext. 4032.
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Manager, Public Affairs
(905) 896-5052
sonja.banic@city.mississauga.on.ca
Newspaper articles;
Don't get the idea that Councillor Gyles or Hazel McCallion are the only predominate Mississaugans who have or are having a difference of opinion with the legally speaking. Ron Starr is also before the courts or they would like it if he would be. {update this case was suddenly dropped!?!}
2000
2001
Councillor's spending scrutinized
May. 23, 2001 - Mississauga News
Gyles' expenses will be audited
May. 25, 2001 - Mississauga News
City approves funeral home
July 13, 2001 - Mississauga News
Gyles faces new charges
July 20, 2001 - Mississauga News
Trial date for Councillor set next month
July 29, 2001- Mississauga News
Ward seat given back to Gyles Court ruling
Sept. 5, 2001 - Mississauga News
Audit suggests Gyles may have violated election rules Oct. 24, 2001 - Mississauga News
Gyles case turned over to crown attorney
Oct. 26, 2001 - Mississauga News
Hearings to begin in April
Oct. 26, 2001 - Mississauga News
Lawyer hired to probe Gyles' expenses
Nov. 12, 2001 - Mississauga News
Defence fund established for Gyles
Dec. 5, 2001 - Mississauga News
2002
2003
Gyles to stand trial — again
August 27, 2003 - The Mississauga News
Gyles jailed 2 1/2 years for taking bribes
Sept. 11, 2003 - Toronto Star
- Judge calls crimes 'insidious assault on democracy'. Is Mr. Gyles the worse of the lot or is he just the one they caught?
Disgrace: Is Gyles a reflection of society?
Nov. 2003 - Mississauga Business Times
We can’t afford to expect so little of ourselves and the people that represent us that we excuse fraud or corruption.
Just too many newspaper articles for me to keep up with right now & it has gone on from the 2000 election right through to the 2003 election year.