Hamilton Police have charged an 18-year-old female with fraud after faking COVID-19 to get out of work.

On March 23, 2020, Hamilton Police received information from Hamilton Public Health Services about an individual who had created a fake physician’s note with fraudulent medical information about testing positive for COVID-19.

The fake note was presented to a restaurant supervisor on March 19, 2020. The McDonald’s restaurant, located on Rymal Road, took immediate safety actions by closing the store and sending all employees home to self-isolate.

The restaurant remained closed for several days while professional cleaning services worked to sanitize the store. There has been a significant impact on the restaurant, local customers and employees which instigated the need for police involvement.

On March 26, 2020, Police arrested and charged an 18-year-old female from Hamilton with fraud and mischief.

Charged: Female, 18, Hamilton resident

• Mischief Over $5000
• Fraud Under $5000
• Use a Forged Document
• Make Forged Document

The female has been released on an Undertaking and expected to appear in court on May 18, 2020.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com