Chance Aaron Shaw (Red Deer RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

behind bars, for now

Bail denied for man accused of multiple frauds, posing as lawyer

Jan 17, 2020 | 2:09 PM

Bail has been denied for a Red Deer man accused of defrauding several people out of thousands of dollars after allegedly posing as a lawyer.

Chance Aaron Shaw, 28, faces 12 charges including six counts of use, trafficking or possession of forged documents, four counts of fraud under $5,000, forgery, and false pretenses.

RCMP say a months-long investigation was launched after a series of alleged crimes that took place between December 2016 and April 2017.

Mounties say the investigation began following a complaint that the suspect had represented himself as a lawyer and taken money from his victim in exchange for reportedly preparing legal documents.

Several more complaints from other victims were subsequently received, according to police, with RCMP identifying nine victims who reported dealing with the suspect in return for legal services.

LIKELY SHEPHERD'S FINAL TERM

2024 wrap up: Success grows in Lacombe County

5h ago

Looking back

Year in Review: Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood proud of community growth

11h ago

2024 reflection

Year in Review: Olds Mayor Judy Dahl thanks community following challenging year

Dec 24, 2024

Among those, a process server who was hired by the suspect to serve a civil claim, and one victim who grew suspicious and did not pay the suspect who Mounties say operated under the fictitious name of SS & Associates LLP.

In June of 2017, Red Deer RCMP executed 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.

On Thursday, Crown prosecutor Stephen Hill noted seven previous convictions for property-related offences for Shaw, 23 failing to comply convictions, including nine for failing to attend court, 27 fraud convictions and one drug conviction.

However, despite a long list of proposed bail conditions outlined by defense lawyer Craig Patterson, Judge T.W. Achtymichuk decided to keep Shaw behind bars, citing a substantial likelihood for him to reoffend.

“Your criminal record tells me that prior release conditions haven’t prevented you from reoffending,” said Achtymichuk. “These are crimes of fraud and dishonesty. People are being taken advantage of and there is a need to protect the public from predatory behavior.”

In an effort to convince Achtymichuk of his release, Shaw claimed to have been offered a job this week that would see him paid $174,000 per year as a project manager.

However, Achtymichuk wasn’t buying it.

“I’m very sceptical of that letter of employment,” added Achtymichuk. “It is now time where the protection of the public becomes more important. Your release is denied.”

Shaw remains in custody at Red Deer Remand Centre. His case returns to court Jan. 27.