Former Halifax regional school board member Peggy Draper won’t be behind bars for much longer.
The National Parole Board has ruled that Draper, who was sentenced earlier this year to two years in federal prison for scamming investors out of more than $330,000, is eligible for accelerated parole.
That means she could be out of jail by late this month, depending on when a bed opens up at a halfway house, the board said.
“In accordance with legislation, you are a first time federal offender who meets criteria for accelerated parole review,” the July 29 decision reads. “You are not known to aggressively behave, use weapons or use threats to achieve desired results.
“The board is mindful of your several victims who have suffered greatly from the results of your criminal activities,” it continues. “Nevertheless, the board is satisfied that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that, if released, you are likely to commit an offence involving violence.”
Draper, 59, pleaded guilty to 11 charges of theft and fraud in January, but eight other charges were dismissed. Special conditions on her early release include that she must not associate with known criminals or contact her victims.
