Calgary police seek accused in grandparent scam who missed court appearance
Calgary police are looking to the public for help locating a man wanted for allegedly using a so-called 'grandparent scam' that swindles seniors.
The victim told police someone called him on Sept. 22 pretending to be his nephew and claiming to be in trouble after being arrested.
His 'nephew' said he needed thousands of dollars in cash to get out on bail.
A second person then called the victim claiming to be his nephew's lawyer.
The senior hung up and called his nephew to confirm the story, at which time he discovered none of it was true. He then called police to report it.
Officers were ready and waiting at the senior’s home when one suspect arrived to pick up the cash.
A second suspect was arrested the next day.
Nicky Cotroni-Bruno, 39, and Patrick Gill, 32, both from Mascouche, Quebec, have each been charged with one count of defrauding a person over $5,000.
Gill has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 26.
Cotroni-Bruno was also released from custody and was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 26, but failed to appear.
A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.
He is described as being 183 centimetres (6’) tall, approximately 102 kilograms (225 pounds) with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cotroni-Bruno is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.