By Sheldon Spackman

Four charged in Sylvan Lake stolen credit card and counterfeiting operation

May 19, 2018 | 9:35 AM

Four people are facing a total of 88 charges following RCMP busting up a stolen and counterfeit credit card operation in Sylvan Lake last winter.

The Priority Crimes Task Force investigation began in early March and culminated in a search warrant by Red Deer and Sylvan Lake RCMP at a Sylvan Lake residence where Mounties seized credit card counterfeiting items and stolen credit cards.

The March 16 incident on Sylvan Drive saw police also seize cheques, identity documents, what is believed to be methamphetamine and a shotgun. In addition, numerous electronics and items consistent with counterfeit and forgery activities, including a credit card embossing machine and a card printer were also seized.

RCMP say many hours were spent investigating the origin of the items seized to determine which were stolen and which were forged so the appropriate charges could be laid. Mounties point out a number of the credit cards and identity documents were stolen after being left in vehicles that were broken into around central Alberta and beyond.

James Johnstone Jardine, 42, was wanted on six outstanding warrants for fraud under $5,000 at the time of his arrest and now faces 43 additional charges. They include three counts of possession of instrument used for forging credit cards, forgery of credit card, seven counts of forgery, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm, 28 counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and two of failing to comply with probation.

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Jardine is to appear in Red Deer court September 18.

Rachel Jean Meyerink, 46, was wanted on outstanding warrants at the time of her arrest and now faces 41 new charges. They include three of possession of instrument used for forging credit cards, forgery of credit card, seven counts of forgery, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm and 28 counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Meyerink is due in Red Deer court September 18.

Chance Tosh Murananka, 44, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and failing to comply with conditions and is due in Red Deer court August 1.

Travis Jeremy Murananka, 41, has already appeared in court and was sentenced on charges of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and failing to comply with conditions.