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Suspended sentence for scam

A Red Deer man received a suspended sentence and probation on Friday for his part in a scam that saw scores of bad cheques cashed in Red Deer in 2008.

A Red Deer man received a suspended sentence and probation on Friday for his part in a scam that saw scores of bad cheques cashed in Red Deer in 2008.

Mardy Allan Brand, 46, was sentenced to 18 months probation and must repay about $5,000 in bogus cheques that he cashed in the scam.

Brand entered guilty pleas on five counts of making false pretences late last year in provincial court.

Sentencing had been adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report.

Red Deer City RCMP started investigation of a numbered company with which all the suspects are alleged to have been involved.

The bad cheques were cashed between Feb. 25 and June 20, 2008, and returned for having not sufficient funds in the bank.

Court heard on Friday that Brand cashed the cheques at several Red Deer cheque cashing businesses and one bank.

Defence lawyer Michael Scrase said his client has already started repaying the $5,000.

Brand received a positive pre-sentence report, which stood in his favour, Judge Gordon Deck said.

He also entered a relatively early guilty plea and co-operated with police, court heard.

Donald Hutlet, 34, of Benalto, received a suspended sentence and was placed on probation for 30 months earlier this year. He must also repay more than $11,000.

Hutlet pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud and a single count of breaching probation.

Court heard earlier that a relative of the accused formed a bogus company and ordered cheques, then had his relatives take the cheques for bogus work performed.

Court heard earlier that the relative told the men to keep a few hundred dollars from each transaction and give the rest to him.

Curt Douglas Whitten, 34, of Red Deer will be sentenced on April, 28, after pleading guilty to 20 fraud-related charges in provincial court earlier this year.

Sentencing was adjourned to have a pre-sentence report prepared and Whitten to make further restitution.

jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com