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Edmonton man wanted for fraud in multiple cities around Alberta apprehended in Lethbridge

Mar 21, 2019 | 2:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police have arrested an Edmonton man following a $330,000 fraud spree that has him wanted in connection with incidents throughout the province.

According to police, a man used fraudulent documents to open a bank account at ATB Financial along the 600 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South on Feb. 27. The bank was later notified he was a suspect in fraud incidents in Calgary and the account was frozen.

When the man returned to the bank on Mar. 11 a bank machine withheld his card, and astute staff phoned the police and were able to keep him on scene until officers arrived.

Upon seeing police, the man attempted to flee the scene, and a foot chase ensued. He was apprehended a short distance away.

35-year-old Emmanuel P Gordon is facing 16 charges in Lethbridge including possession of a forged document, using a forged document, forgery, attempted fraud and resisting arrest.

Further investigation determined Gordon used fraudulent documents to open accounts at ATB along the 700 block of 4 Avenue South and was a suspect in multiple fraud incidents at other ATB locations throughout the province, including Calgary, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster and St. Albert, totalling more than $330,000.

In those cases, it’s alleged Gordon deposited empty envelopes, and fake cheques into the accounts then withdrew the cash before they were discovered.

He’s facing additional charges in those other jurisdictions but appeared in Lethbridge court on Mar. 15 and was released on a recognizance.

Gordon is scheduled to return to court April 18.