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Drayton Valley man accused of $1M cattle fraud

May 14, 2021 | 12:59 PM

RED DEER, Alta. – A Drayton Valley man is due in court next week after being accused in a million-dollar case of cattle fraud.

The Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch Livestock Investigation Section was called on March 9 regarding alleged fraud.

An investigation and determined two parties involved in the transaction had allegedly entered into a partnership wherein the complainant had invested over $1 million dollars to purchase cattle, feed and equipment from a company.

RCMP say the investigation determined the complainant allegedly did not receive any payments and that a quantity of the calves had been sold, contrary to the terms of the partnership.

On March 16, RCMP executed a search warrant and kept the peace while a separate civil Ex Parte Order was also executed on a rural property near Drayton Valley.

On May 6, Alton Edward Wood of Drayton Valley was charged with:

• Fraud over $5,000

• Utter forged document

• Not fully complete the information required, provided false information in or described livestock incorrectly on Alberta Livestock Manifest (LICA) (three counts).

Wood, who is 44, was released to attend Drayton Valley Provincial Court on May 18.

Mounties noted in a release that Wood “has been involved in similar business relationships that resulted in alleged criminal acts that are currently before the courts.”

Anyone with information about any other similar incidents is asked to contact the Alberta RCMP Livestock Investigation Section at 403-598-6991, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), visit www.P3Tips.com or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app.