By Patrick Burles - @Patrick Burles on Twitter

Lawyer Says Client was “Fall Guy” in $500,000 Fraud Case

Aug 30, 2016 | 1:16 PM

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.

“Any money that was taken over and above the amount that he’s already justifiably took for his pay and salary, was in fact taken either by the owner or someone on the owner’s behalf, in the same manner that Mr. Blanchard took the money, quote-unquote, off the books,” explained Carle.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

41m ago

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

“Mr. Blanchard sincerely feels that the Taber Police force has just been duped by the owner into laying these charges. Basically, Mr. Blanchard feels that he has just been made the fall guy for all of the funds that have been taken out.”

Carle says he has been given instructions to move the case forward as quickly as possible to a preliminary hearing and trial, but added that once the facts get out, that may not be necessary.

As the defence is still waiting for full disclosure from the Crown, the case has been adjourned to September 27.