By Jeff Johnson/102.9 the Drive Cranbrook

Charges of forgery, fraud laid against Kimberley, B.C. hockey donor

Dec 13, 2017 | 8:28 AM

CRANBROOK, B.C. – A man who promised millions of dollars to Kimberley, B.C. hockey is facing charges of forgery and fraud.

Cranbrook RCMP say they began an investigation into Wasa’s Mike Gould in November when a local business owner contacted them about an unpaid bill worth thousands of dollars.

Cst. Katie Forgeron said Gould used the restaurant to hold a banquet of 50 people.

She explained at that time Gould failed to produce the money to pay for the event and police began their investigation.

RCMP previously said the suspect behind the incident handed checks over to the restaurant to cover the bill. However, when the owner went to cash those checks she was advised there was insufficient funds in that account.

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Forgeron pointed out the accused has since paid the bill at the restaurant, which the owner has confirmed, but the circumstances of the event led police to recommend charges to Crown Counsel.

Gould, who will appear in court Monday, Dec. 18, stood in front of a crowd at an Oct. 13 Kimberley Dynamiters game and pledged $7.5 million to the local KIJHL team and minor hockey association.

Since then, he faces several allegations of promising significant amounts of money only to never deliver on the commitments.

Gould has repeatedly set new deadlines of when he expects to hand the money over to Kimberley hockey only to push the date back again when the deadline arrives.

He insists he’s worth billions and will make good on his donation.