A woman is facing fraud and theft charges after allegedly defrauding a Red Deer senior of more than $100,000.
Red Deer City RCMP say they received a complaint of a possible fraud against a local senior on Oct. 31, 2011, and an extensive investigation was commenced by the RCMP General Investigation Section Fraud Unit.
Between May 2009 and October 2011, police say the suspect worked as a caregiver for the 95-year-old senior.
RCMP Cpl. Kathe DeHeer said Wednesday the alleged fraud was detected when a bank found discrepancies and contacted the senior’s family.
“This is a substantial amount of money for anybody to lose, we are talking pension cheques,” DeHeer said.
Kimberly Blackburn, 42, of Red Deer was arrested on Tuesday and charged with five counts of fraud and seven counts of theft.
She was released from custody on $5,000 bail and will appear in Red Deer provincial court today.
Police say they are very concerned about crimes against vulnerable people such as seniors.
“People should do their due diligence when hiring somebody to give care to anybody whether it is for your children, parents or yourself even. Reference checks and criminal record checks are important.”
jjones@www.reddeeradvocate.com