Police charge woman with fraud following vulnerable person investigation

Following a 14-month investigation, police have charged a woman in connection with defrauding a victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In December 2016, due to a medical condition, it is believed the victim requested the suspect to become her power of attorney based on a friendship between the victim and suspect.

Once the suspect took control of the victim’s finances, it is believed the suspect had personally taken and mismanaged more than $350,000 belonging to the victim between December 2016 to August 2020.

In October 2021, the victim contacted police to report the missing money and our Elder Abuse Response Team began an investigation.

As a result, we have now charged 62-year-old Valerie Dorothy MACKENZIE, owner of Calgary-based Making Space Professionals, a business specializing in helping seniors and vulnerable people.  

MACKENZIE is charged with one count of theft over $5,000, one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of laundering proceeds of crime.

She will next appear in court on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

“This was an incredibly unfortunate situation for the victim, who was taken advantage of for several years by someone who was believed to be trustworthy,” said Detective Hal Quaidoo of the District 3 General Investigations Unit. “I am proud of the team who worked diligently throughout the 14-month investigation to ensure the suspect was held accountable for her role in defrauding a vulnerable person. We are asking anyone who may have been victimized in a similar manner to contact police.”

Anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

Case # CA20435409/5277