News Release
JSOT criminally charges Shaun Wayne Howell with fraud and theft
Aug 27, 2018
CALGARY – August 27, 2018 – The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and the Alberta RCMP announced today that Shaun Wayne Howell of Drayton Valley, Alberta has been charged with six offences under the Criminal Code, following an investigation by the Joint Serious Offences Team (JSOT).
Howell has been criminally charged with three counts of fraud contrary to section 380(1)(a) and three counts of theft over $5,000 contrary to section 334(a). It is alleged that Howell fraudulently raised approximately $200,000 from six different investors between September 2013 and February 2015 in Red Deer, Alberta.
Howell’s first appearance in court is scheduled for October 26, 2018 in Red Deer Provincial Court at 4909 48 Ave., Red Deer.
JSOT gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Red Deer and Airdrie RCMP detachments and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) in this matter.
JSOT is an enforcement partnership between the ASC, the RCMP Federal Policing’s Financial Integrity Program and Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. JSOT investigates and prosecutes quasi-criminal cases under the Securities Act and certain securities-related criminal offences under the Criminal Code. In particular, JSOT targets repeat offenders, serious frauds and breaches of ASC or court orders and bans. The primary objective is to protect investors and further enhance confidence in the Alberta capital market through collaborative investigations and prosecutions of serious violations of the law using the provisions of the Securities Act (Alberta) or the Criminal Code.
The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.
The RCMP Federal Policing’s Financial Integrity Program contributes to the security of the Canadian economy and seeks to protect Canadians and their governments from financial crimes perpetrated by organized crime and others. The Financial Integrity Program is delivered in partnership with international and domestic government agencies, domestic stakeholders and the community at large.
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Hilary McMeekin
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