By Troy Gillard

TWO-YEAR INVESTIGATION

Former accountant charged for allegedly stealing $200,000 from Drayton Valley Rotary Club

Aug 6, 2020 | 12:47 PM

Drayton Valley RCMP have laid charges following a nearly two-year investigation into fraudulent activity at a local not-for-profit organization.

Mounties began investigating in September 2018 after the organization claimed they had been defrauded of more than $200,000 by their treasurer over a four-year period.

RCMP says their ensuing investigation into the matter was “thorough and complex.”

Eric Paul Butz, 35, of Drayton Valley has charged with fraud over $5,000, forgery and uttering forged documents. He is due back in Drayton Valley provincial court on September 15.

At the time of the alleged fraud, police say Butz worked as a Certified Chartered Accountant in Drayton Valley. Anyone suspecting suspicious financial activity involving any accounts handled by Butz is asked to call RCMP at 780-542-4456.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

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

Police did not name the organization that filed the complaint but online records show Butz served as treasurer for the Drayton Valley Rotary Club.

Butz was sanctioned in June 2019 by Chartered Professional Accounts Alberta (CPAA) after admitting to allegations of unprofessional misconduct.

According to the CPAA filing, Butz admitted that from January 2015 to September 2018 while Treasurer of the organization (identified by the CPAA as “R.C.”) wrote 126 cheques made out to either himself or his company, including 26 cheques where he forged someone else’s signature, totalling approximately $200,000 from the R.C.’s bank accounts for his personal benefit, when he either knew or ought to have known that he was not entitled to do so.

The CPAA cancelled Butz’s professional certification and fined him $17,000, as well as $5,500 for the cost of their investigation.

Butz was elected to Drayton Valley town council in 2017 having received the most votes of any candidate. He served on council for one year before resigning in October 2018.