Fraud charges

May 10, 2012 10:45 AM Category: Police, Public Safety

The Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit has laid fraud charges after a nine-month investigation.

The investigation began in August 2011, after witnesses came forward with allegations that the Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC) had been defrauded of a substantial sum of money.

On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, police arrested Valerie Anne COOPER, 56, of Calgary. Later that evening, she was charged with six counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count each of theft under $5,000, mischief, obstruction and falsifying documents.

The charges relate to allegations dating back to July 2005.

The loss to the Art Gallery of Calgary is believed to be over $438,000.

At the time of the allegations, COOPER was president and CEO of the AGC.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Economic Crimes Section at 403-428-8386 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: tttTIPS.com

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

A media availability will be held later today. A separate advisory will be sent with details.