Lawyer Says Client was “Fall Guy” in $500,000 Fraud Case
TABER – The lawyer representing a 45-year old Taber man – charged in a major fraud and theft case in the community – made it clear Tuesday morning (Aug. 30) that they intend to fight the charges.
Scott Blanchard is accused of taking nearly $500,000 from the Oilmen’s Club in Taber, while he was the manager. Taber Police say they received a complaint on October 23, 2014, of a possible fraud, resulting in charges of theft over $5,000 and fraud over $5,000 against Blanchard.
“Any funds that [Blanchard] took from the Oilmen’s, here in Taber, was not only with the knowledge of the owner, but was with the absolute consent and direction of the owner,” stated defence lawyer, Doug Carle. “Mr. Blanchard has indicated and will prove at trial, that that’s the manner in which he got paid, that’s the way the owner wanted it set up.”
Carle went on to say that Blanchard has told him that he has been audited by Revenue Canada for how he was paid, and that the amount was far below what police say was taken from the club.