A 45-year-old man from Victoria has been charged after allegedly pretending to be a Fort McMurray evacuee and accepting help from the residents of a southern Alberta town,
According to Sgt Barry Larocque of the RCMP K division, an RCMP investigation was launched on May 12 after members of Family and Community Support Services suspected two self-described Fort McMurray evacuees of deceit.
“A couple within the community had received a place to stay, some clothes, meal purchased for them and a pair of work boots had also been purchased,” explained Sgt. Larocque.
RCMP determined Darryl Lincoln Joseph Rondeau of Victoria, B.C. had never lived in Fort McMurray. On May 15, Rondeau was arrested and charged with fraud under $5,000.
Rondeau made his first court appearance in Lethbridge on May 16. The accused remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 1.
Sgt. Larocque says disasters can bring out the best and worst in humanity.
“With these situations, there’s always some person out there willing to exploit the good nature of others,” said Sgt. Larocque. “The people that are perpetrating frauds in those locales know what they’re doing and can say the right thing and make themselves appear to be what they are not.”
“This is a crime that was perpetrated not only on the community of Claresholm. It was perpetrated on society in general.”
Sgt. Larocque hopes the alleged fraud does not hamper the goodwill shown during times of tragedy.
“I’d hate to see one instance dampen the good nature of small towns and their desire to give back and assist,” said Sgt. Larocque. “Trust your instincts, contact the RCMP and don’t forget to ask questions.”
RCMP continue to investigate the alleged fraud. At this time, Rondeau is the only suspect to have been charged in connection with recent suspected fraud in Claresholm.
