A Caroline woman serving as the treasurer of the Sundre Community Van Society was recently arrested and charged with breach of trust over allegations of unauthorized personal expenses.
On July 10, the Sundre RCMP detachment received a complaint from the society regarding concerns about alleged fraudulent use of the organization’s funds by Robin Strub, 30.
The society, which provides seniors’ transportation for appointments, events and everyday needs, reported that approximately $6,300 was spent by its treasurer on unauthorized purchases such as personal payments, cellphone bills and fuel between April and June of this year, said police in a press release.
“It’s pretty severe when it does get brought to the police,” said the Sundre RCMP detachment’s Cpl. Joe Mandel.
“I don’t have too many of those investigations under my belt. In my experience, they’re pretty rare.”
However, when these situations do arise, charges are typically laid as result, the corporal said.
“It’s pretty hard for the person committing the offence to steal the money because it’s so documented,” he said referring to a society’s bookkeeping.
“The elements of the offence are there.”
Society members became concerned following internal reviews and subsequently raised the matter to police, he said.
“They noted discrepancies with how their money was being spent and then they provided us with the information.”
On Tuesday, July 31, Strub was arrested and charged with criminal breach of trust. She was released by a justice of the peace to appear in provincial court in Didsbury on Monday, Aug. 13 to speak to the matter.
The charge is a fairly serious indictable offence, and carries a potential prison term not to exceed 14 years in worst-case scenarios, said Mandel.
“Unfortunately, this is a solemn reminder that there are individuals out there that prey on the good trusting nature of our seniors and the organizations that assist them. I am glad that the RCMP Sundre detachment was able to assist the society to hold Ms. Strub accountable for her alleged actions,” he said.
