A North Bay businessman facing 15 charges stemming from his role in a local real estate development made a virtual court appearance Tuesday morning.
Renzo Silveri, facing seven counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of theft over $5,000, one count of criminal breach of trust and five counts of falsifying books and documents, and counsel Allan D. Gold were present in virtual Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay.
Court heard a conflict of interest in the North Bay Crown's office had recently been identified and the local office was seeking counsel from outside the jurisdiction to proceed with the case. In the ensuing days, the Haileybury Crown has taken over the assignment and the case will continue to be heard in North Bay.
All charges are related to the development of Premier Village by the Lake and were laid by the Ontario Provincial Police in June 2020.
Last summer, finding himself facing CPA of Ontario professional misconduct charges in addition to the recent criminal charges, Silveri released a statement: "These charges have rocked my family to the core; they are groundless and hurtful. I will be completely exonerated. I ask the community to reserve judgment and not take at face value all that is rumoured about these charges."
See related story: Silveri victim of a 'coup' says lawyer
In a separate, non-criminal hearing held in October 2020, Silveri received a fine of $25,000 from the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario after a finding of professional misconduct by a disciplinary committee relating to his involvement in the same Premier Road condominium corporation.
Silveri's next appearance in court is scheduled for April 13.
