Alain Gagnon, a federal public servant accused of defrauding the government of $2.4 million has pleaded guilty

Alain Gagnon, a federal public servant accused of defrauding the government of $2.4 million has pleaded guilty to breach of trust by a public officer and fraud over $5,000.The 51-year-old Public Works and Government Services financial officer was arrested in September 2007. Mr. Gagnon was released on $5,000 bail and $15,000 security put up by family.Court documents showed that Mr. Gagnon, who lives in L'Ange-Gardien, used his position to defraud the government for more than a decade starting on Sept. 11, 1996.The RCMP investigation began in July 2007 when the Special Investigations Directorate of Public Works turned the matter over to the Ottawa RCMP Commercial Crime Section. The directorate investigates illegal activity solely within Public Works.About $885,000 of Mr. Gagnon's assets have been seized or frozen since his arrest, including his $400,000 L'Ange-Gardien home, several bank and investment accounts, and seven vehicles.The vehicles included a Toyota Camry, Honda Odyssey Mini Cooper and Toyota Yaris, a snowmobile and ATV, said Crown prosecutor Sylvain Petitclerc.Mr. Gagnon is to be sentenced on Nov. 4.