The story of Suzan Pawlak has taken yet another turn. The former treasurer for the federal Liberal Party riding association for Elgin-Middlesex-London was charged with multiple counts related to the theft of over $13,000 from the riding accounts in 2006. What makes the story so strange was the odd behaviour of Liberal Party director (Ontario wing) at the time, David Pretlove. When he was informed of the discovery of the theft, he offered to reimburse the Elgin-Middlesex-London riding association using Liberal Party funds. The offer was conditional on a written assurance that the police not get involved. The offer was turned down and the police were called in. At the time of offer was made in January, Suzan Pawlak was on Pretlove's staff having moved on from the treasurer's job.

The offer was made referencing Pawlak's alleged involvement, so everyone involved knew where the evidence was pointing. When the story broke, including that David Pretlove had offered to use party funds to shield a staffer from a police investigation, Pretlove was heavily criticized, but the Liberal Party allowed him to complete his term in August.

On November 9, Suzan Pawlak was supposed to appear in court. She did not, and a bench warrant was issued.

Police found her in Toronto last night:

Suzan Pawlak, 49, of Toronto, was arrested there the previous night on a warrant for failing to appear in St. Thomas court Nov. 8.

After posting $500 and promising to appear in court Dec. 12, a local Liberal Party treasurer was released from custody yesterday in St. Thomas.

Now in addition to the 42 charges related to the original fraud and forgery, Pawlak faces a charge of failing to appear.

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