A man from Rocky Mountain House was charged in relation to a grandparent scam that occurred in the Okotoks area. 

On Jan. 11, 2024, Okotoks RCMP responded to a fraud complaint.  An elderly couple, who were both 88 years old, reported they believed someone was trying to defraud them of several thousand dollars.  The couple had been contacted online by someone posing as a police officer saying a family member required bail money which would be picked up at the couple’s residence. 

Okotoks RCMP located and arrested two suspects shortly after. A search conducted on scene revealed the suspects were in possession of:

  • $7,000 in cash in banking envelopes
  • A black wig
  • 239.5 grams of methamphetamine
  • 56.8 grams of fentanyl
  • 11.3 grams of cocaine

RCMP also discovered another victim of this crime, a resident of Calgary, based on an envelope located in the suspect’s vehicle. With the assistance of Calgary Police Service, Okotoks RCMP was able to positively identify the suspects as being responsible for the fraud in Calgary and are making arrangements to return the $7,000 cash to the 88-year-old victim from Calgary.

Police have charged a male and a female in relation to the investigation.

40-year-old Jonathon Gardippe, a resident of Rocky Mountain House has been charged with:

  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Possession of Property Obtain by Crime Over $5,000
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

Gardippe is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 15, 2024.

47-year-old Kathryn Kaun, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:

  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Disguise with Intent

Kaun is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Feb. 9, 2024.

Okotoks RCMP are asking the public to report to their nearest police detachment any similar dealings where a grandparent or elderly person has been requested to withdraw large sums of money to pay for a loved ones release from police custody.