Calgary woman charged with defrauding victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars
Posted Jan 4, 2023 3:29 pm.
Last Updated Jan 5, 2023 9:56 am.
A Calgary businesswoman is facing fraud charges after police say she took and mismanaged more than $350,000 from someone with a medical condition.
Officers say it began in December 2016, when the victim allegedly asked the woman to become her power of attorney based on their friendship.
Police say the woman took and mismanaged the money between then and August 2020.
The victim called police in October 2021 to report the missing money, and the CPS Elder Abuse Response Team started to investigate.
Officers say 62-year-old Valerie Dorothy Mackenzie, owner of Calgary-based Making Space Professionals, a business specializing in helping seniors and vulnerable people, is facing charges of theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and one count of laundering proceeds of crime.
She is set to appear in court on Jan. 31.
“This was an incredibly unfortunate situation for the victim, who was taken advantage of for several years by someone who was believed to be trustworthy,” said Det. Hal Quaidoo.
“I am proud of the team who worked diligently throughout the 14-month investigation to ensure the suspect was held accountable for her role in defrauding a vulnerable person.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
