Dane Skinner of Sylvan Lake stands accused in a $2.6 million fraud case involving a reported 'revolutionary fracking product.' (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

lengthy process continues

Sylvan Lake man charged in $2.6 million fraud case still seeking lawyer

Feb 3, 2020 | 3:14 PM

Legal delays continue for a Sylvan Lake man charged in an alleged $2.6 million fraud case reportedly involving a ‘revolutionary fracking product.’

Dane Michael Skinner, 55, appeared in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday and told Justice Kent H. Davidson that he is still without legal representation, but that he has plans to see a lawyer on Feb. 18 in advance of a pre-trial conference expected to take place in April.

Skinner also told court he is waiting for full disclosure from the Crown on his case, a statement Crown prosecutor Peter Mackenzie took exception to, saying Skinner’s previous lawyer was provided with full disclosure.

Skinner was reportedly in the process of securing a new lawyer during a Nov. 5, 2019 court appearance when he told Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Susan Bercov that he needed more time to secure the money required for legal representation.

Skinner is currently slated for a seven-week trial to begin on Mar. 1, 2021 – a date beyond the R v Jordan date which stipulates a trial must begin within 30 months of charges being laid in Court of Queen’s Bench cases. Skinner’s Jordan date is Jan. 24, 2021.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

19h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Skinner was arrested on July 25, 2018 and initially charged with fraud, laundering proceeds of crime and two counts of uttering threats. He currently faces counts of fraud over $5000 and laundering proceeds of crime.

His arrest came after an extensive and complex, years-long investigation by Blackfalds RCMP and Red Deer Financial Crimes Unit which began in 2013.

According to police, the alleged offences occurred between December 5, 2007 and February 28, 2013 in Lacombe and involved two numbered companies (1518869 Alberta Ltd. / 1367158 Alberta Ltd.), as well as N.E.X.T. Legacy Technologies Ltd.

Mounties allege Skinner misrepresented and advertised a ‘revolutionary fracking product’ which resulted in lucrative financial gains.

As a result, numerous victims were enticed to invest in the company, with losses to those investors reported to be over $2.6 million.