Woman charged over alleged fraud at Commercial Hotel

A WOMAN has been charged following a near-month-long investigation into alleged fraud at Junee’s Commercial Hotel.

In an update provided to The Junee Bulletin on Thursday, March 19, NSW Police confirmed a 44-year-old woman had been arrested and charged following inquiries by detectives from Riverina Police District.

The woman was arrested at Wagga Police Station about 11.20am on Wednesday, March 18, and charged with seven counts of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Wagga Local Court on May 27, 2026.

Police have not released further details about the nature of the allegations beyond the charges laid.

The Junee Bulletin understands the woman is a former employee of the hotel.

The development comes three weeks after The Junee Bulletin first reported that detectives were investigating alleged fraud at the local pub.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter previously told this publication that significant financial discrepancies had been identified within the business, reportedly involving a substantial sum of money over an extended period.

READ MORE: Police probe alleged fraud at Junee pub

The story prompted widespread discussion across Junee, particularly following sudden operational changes at one of the town’s most prominent and family-friendly hotels.

The Commercial Hotel is owned by Riverina-based hospitality group Oates Family Hotels, which operates multiple venues across the Riverina.

The Junee Bulletin understands management took action immediately after becoming aware of the alleged discrepancies, with personnel from within the wider group brought in to temporarily assist with operations.

Recruitment advertisements seeking a new venue manager and additional bar and beverage staff were published on Seek in the same week the investigation became public.

The update also comes after Liquor & Gaming NSW moved to shut down speculation of a separate regulatory investigation into the venue’s gaming operations.

A spokesperson previously told The Junee Bulletin that the Commercial Hotel was not currently subject to any open complaints or investigations by the regulator.

“Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) can confirm the Commercial Hotel in Junee is not currently subject to any open complaints or investigations,” the spokesperson said.

Speaking with The Daily Advertiser after the Bulletin’s story was published, owner Mat Oates reassured the community that the pub was in good hands.

“Rest assured the pub is the same great venue that both our family and our local team have built over the last 10 years,” he said.

“We’re here for the long haul and we will continue to serve the town with all of our best efforts.

Police have not indicated whether further arrests or charges are expected.

The matter is now before the courts.