On Jan. 11, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Okotoks RCMP responded to a fraud complaint in Okotoks. An elderly couple, both 88-years-old, reported they believed someone was trying to defraud them of several thousand dollars. The couple had been contacted online by someone posing as a police officer saying a family member required bail money which would be picked up at the couple's residence.
Okotoks RCMP located and arrested two suspects shortly after. A search conducted on scene revealed the suspects were in possession of:
- $7,000 in cash in banking envelopes
- A black wig
- 239.5 grams of methamphetamine
- 56.8 grams of fentanyl
- 11.3 grams of cocaine
RCMP also discovered another victim of this crime, a resident of Calgary, from an envelope located in the suspect's vehicle. With the assistance of Calgary Police Service, Okotoks RCMP was able to positively identify the suspects as being responsible for the fraud in Calgary and are making arrangements to return the $7,000 cash to the 88-year-old victim from Calgary.
Okotoks RCMP have charged a male and a female in relation to the investigation.
A 40-year-old individual, a resident of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., has been charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtain by Crime Over $5,000
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
The 40-year-old individual is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 15, 2024.
A 47-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Disguise with Intent
The 47-year-old individual is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 9, 2024.
Okotoks RCMP are asking the public to report to their nearest police detachment any similar dealings where a grandparent or elderly person has been requested to withdraw large sums of money to pay for a loved ones release from police custody.