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A Calgary businesswoman is facing multiple charges after defrauding a sick woman out of hundreds of thousands of dollars after taking control of the victim’s finances.
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Police believe Valerie Dorothy McKenzie, 62, took and mismanaged more than $350,000 from a woman between December 2016 and August 2020. Police say due to a medical condition, the victim gave McKenzie power of attorney in 2016. based on their friendship.
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The victim reported the missing money to the Calgary Police Service’s Elder Abuse Response Team in October 2021, prompting a 14-month investigation.
Police announced Wednesday that McKenzie was charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000 and laundering the proceeds of crime.
“This was an incredibly unpleasant situation for the victim who was taken advantage of over several years by someone she believed to be trustworthy,” said Det. Hal Quaido. “I am proud of the team who worked diligently throughout the 14-month investigation to ensure the suspect was brought to justice for his role in defrauding a vulnerable person.”
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McKenzie is the owner of Calgary-based business Making Space Professionals, a business police say specializes in helping seniors and vulnerable people.
According to the business’s Facebook page, it provided “downsizing, decluttering (and) organizing” services and specifically mentioned seniors as potential customers. The business’s website and Facebook page were taken down as of Thursday morning.
Reached by phone Thursday morning, McKenzie said she had no comment on the allegations. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.
McKenzie will make his first court appearance on January 31.
Police are asking anyone with information about this or a similar incident to contact 911 at 403-266-1234. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
mrodriguez@postmedia.com
Twitter: @michaelrdrguez
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