Winnipeg police have charged the former general manager and artistic director of a local theatre company with theft and forgery for allegedly embezzling more than $85,000.
Police said between January 2007 and February 2014, 48-year-old Michael Howard Nathanson worked as general manager and artistic director for Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, a local non-profit organization.
During this time frame, police said Nathanson was entrusted with numerous duties which included managing the finances of the theatre.
Police said that while Nathanson was general manager, it’s alleged he exploited his position and embezzled more than $85,000. It’s believed he then covered up his actions by repeatedly presenting forged documents indicating finances were in good order.
Police said the thefts were detected in early 2014 and that Nathanson, having dual-nationality, fled to Texas.
According to Nathanson’s LinkedIn profile, he worked in Dallas at a greeting card company for the last year.
A Manitoba-wide warrant was issued in January, 2015. When Nathanson tried to re-enter the province on March 28, the outstanding warrant came to light and he was placed under arrest.
Nathanson has been charged with theft over $5000 and forgery. He was remanded into custody.
Greg Di Cresce, vice-president of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, said the organization will not comment on the matter because it is before the courts.
In early March the theatre announced it had hired Ari Weinberg as its new artistic director and they have a production called Bad Jews opening in May.
- With files from Ben Miljure.
