(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

RCMP SAY PUBLIC RISK MINIMAL

Fraudulent paperwork leads to wrongful release of Fort Saskatchewan Correctional inmate

May 14, 2025 | 11:34 AM

A warrant is out for the arrest of Mackenzie Dawn Hardy, of Red Deer. after she was wrongfully released from the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre on April 25 following the submission of allegedly fraudulent paperwork.

Hardy was in custody and awaiting a court appearance following various offences, including possession of stolen property both over and under $5,000, flight from a peace officer, and more, which occurred on March 4 and March 11.

She was released, however, after the correctional centre received forged documents indicating the charges against her had been stayed. These were submitted under the name of an apparently non-existent defence attorney.

Michelle Davio, with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS), said the ACPS responded as soon as it became aware by seeking a warrant for Hardy’s arrest; this went into effect on April 30. It has also forwarded the allegedly forged documents to RCMP for investigation.

“The ACPS takes this matter very seriously and steps have been taken by all parties to ensure this cannot happen in the future. As this matter is under investigation and the accused person has matters before the court, no further comment will be provided,” Davio commented.

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RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said, as Hardy’s charges mostly pertain to property crime and theft, with no violent crime offences, there is no extreme risk to the public.

In the meantime, the RCMP is working diligently to apprehend Hardy and return her to custody.

Savinkoff said he hasn’t encountered such a “brazen” escape attempt like this before, adding Hardy will likely be sentenced to more time because of it, when the time comes.