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Local woman charged for defrauding employer out of more than $46,000

Mar 27, 2019 | 12:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A 38-year-old woman has been charged by Lethbridge Police have in connection with an internal fraud for stealing property and more than $46,000 from her employer.

According to police, earlier this year they initiated an investigation into fraudulent activity at the King of Trade after staff identified some inventory discrepancies. 

Staff reviewed video surveillance and observed a person who appeared to be an employee stealing property and cash from the till on numerous occasions. 

The matter was reported to police, and a subsequent investigation by members of the Economic Crimes Unit determined that between April 2017 and December 2018, the person stole money from the till and subsequently falsified inventory and store records in an effort to hide the activity. 

38-year-old Melanie Dawn Vaillancourt, of Lethbridge, is alleged to have stolen just over $46,000 in cash from the business along with nearly $1,500 worth of property.

She’s facing charges of fraud over $5,000, theft under $5,000, falsification of documents, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000. 

Vaillancourt was released from custody on a recognizance and is set to appear in court on April 12.