Police investigate Coun. Mammoliti over fundraiser

The Toronto police’s financial crimes unit is launching a criminal investigation into Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti surrounding a fundraising event held in his honour last year.

The private fundraiser, which was planned to celebrate his recovery from brain surgery and to raise funds to help pay for unspecified legal defences, took in $80,000 and was attended by developers, lobbyists, friends, family and by some who do business with the city.

Earlier this year the integrity commissioner Janet Leiper ruled Mammoliti broke the code of conduct, deeming the money an “impermissible gift,” and docked him three months’ pay. In turn, Mammoliti sued Leiper, alleging the probe was biased and that it breached his privacy.

“There is the line between being a councillor and your personal time and that’s a part of the challenge that’s going forward,” Mammoliti told 680News. “The integrity commissioner has continually used ‘Councillor Mammoliti’ in her reports and I’ve made it clear that my personal life is my personal life.”

He says he’s not surprised that the city has handed over a file to police.

“It doesn’t surprise me, I guess, that this is happening, given the fact that I’m taking that particular integrity commissioner and the city and that particular report to the court.”

Municipal lawyer John Mascarin says if charges are laid against Mammoliti, getting a conviction will be tough.

“In a criminal proceeding it’s proof beyond a reasonable doubt which is a much, much higher standard.”

There has been no word on how long the police probe may take.

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