In late 2016, police became aware of some suspicious financial transactions involving a local mechanical business. Upon further investigation, it was determined that approximately 465 cheques, intended to pay the mechanical company’s vendors, were fraudulently cashed into the personal bank accounts of a female employee responsible for the business’ finances at the time. Investigators believe these fraudulent transactions occurred over several years, specifically between 2009 and 2016.
In late 2016, the fraudulent activity was reported to police and following an extensive investigation, detectives from the EPS Economic Crimes Section confirmed that a total of $5,152,179.10 had allegedly been defrauded from the business.
Wanda Dawson, 54, turned herself into EPS Headquarters on Thursday, April 25, 2019, and is charged with theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000 in relation to this investigation.
Dawson is expected to appear in court on June 6, 2019.