Okotoks RCMP are asking residents to be vigilant after making two arrests and seizing cash and drugs during a fraud investigation.
An investigation was started on Jan. 11 after an elderly couple contacted police to report a suspicious attempt to get money from them.
The couple reported that they were contacted by someone posing as a police officer who said a family member needed bail money. The suspect reportedly told the couple that the money would be picked up at their residence.
Shortly after, two suspects were arrested and found to be in possession of thousands of dollars, drugs and a black wig.
Police located $7,000 in cash, 239.5 grams of methamphetamine, 56.8 grams of fentanyl and 11.3 grams of cocaine.
As a result of the investigation, Jonathon Gardippe, 40, of Rocky Mountain House, has been charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession for the purpose of trafficking of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.
Gardippe is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 15.
Kathryn Kaun, 47, of Calgary, has been charged with fraud over $5,000 and disguise with Intent.
Kaun is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 9.
During the investigation, Okotoks RCMP connected the suspects to a similar fraud in Calgary, where a senior was defrauded of $7,000.
Working with the Calgary Police Service, Okotoks RCMP are arranging to return the money to the elderly victim.
RCMP urge the public to report any incidents where a grandparent or elderly person is asked to provide a large sum of money for a family member’s release from custody to their local RCMP detachment.
