A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Burlington man facing multiple charges in connection with fraud, which allegedly occurred during the 2018 municipal election.

The Ontario Provincial Police anti-rackets branch received a request last December for assistance from Halton police in relation to allegations of improprieties during the Burlington mayoral race.

The investigation focused on alleged expense violations under the Municipal Elections Act.

Sean Baird, 47, is wanted for uttering a forged document, fraud over $5,000 and four counts of corrupt practice.

The OPP emphasized Baird has no affiliation with the mayor’s office.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said Baird was a third-party advertiser that targeted her mayoral campaign in the last municipal election.

She said she welcomed the news that a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

“I want to thank the investigators for their work and look forward to the legal process unfolding,” Meed Ward said in a statement.

“Burlington is not the only municipality where election matters are under investigation. When municipal elections can be won by slim margins, it is that much more important we ensure elections are fair, transparent and accountable for all levels of government. We must be vigilant in safeguarding our elections, which are at the heart of our democracy.”

Meed Ward won the mayoral race with 46 per cent of the vote, while Rick Goldring was second with 33 per cent.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Baird is requested to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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DL David Lea is a general assignment reporter for InsideHalton.com and its sister papers. Reach him via email: dlea@metroland.com

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