Red Deer RCMP charge man with fraud, forgery for posing as lawyer

A 26-year-old Red Deer man is facing a dozen charges after police say he represented himself asa lawyer to defraud numerous victims between December 2016 and April 2017.

Red Deer RCMPsaidthey began amonths-long investigation into the suspect at the end of Marchafter receiving a complaint hehad represented himself as a lawyer and taken money from people in exchange for preparing legal documents.

Over the course of theinvestigation, more victims came forward withcomplaintsuntil police had identified nine victims who reported dealing with the suspect in returnfor legal services, the RCMPsaid in a newsrelease Thursday.

Police say the suspect operated under the fictitious business name SS & Associates LLP.

OnJune 7, policeexecuted a search warrant at the suspect's residence and seized electronics and documents relevant to the investigation, including documents under the business name SS & Associates LLP, the RCMPsaid.

The 26-year-oldis charged with six counts of use, trafficking or possession of forged documents; four counts of fraud under $5,000; one count offorgery; and one count of false pretences.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in Red Deer court onJuly 21.

The RCMPare reminding the public they can contact theLaw Society of Albertato confirm anindividual's ability to practice law.