Former British Columbia premier Glen Clark was charged Friday with two criminal counts for his alleged role in a scheme to to fraudulently obtain a casino license for an acquaintance.
Clark, former head of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP), is charged with breach of trust and fraud in connection with the scandal. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
In exchange for assistance in obtaining the license, Dimitrios Pilarinos, a neighbor of Clark's, allegedly built decks on two properties owned by the ex-premier, authorities said.
Pilarinos faces nine charges in connection with the same case.
The scandal forced Clark, now an NDP party backbencher, to resign last year.
In the wake of the scandal, the ruling NDP party has seen its popularity sink to unprecedented lows in the opinion polls.
Corporal Grant Learned of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Friday that the charges were sobering.
"These charges speak for themselves," said Learned, who added that additional counts could follow.
Pilarinos, who is out on bail, appeared in court Friday but Clark did not.
Clarks next scheduled court appearance is November 17 to set a trial date.
Clark resigned in August 1999 after it was revealed he was being investigated by police in the case -- VANCOUVER (AFP)
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