17 additional victims identified in connection with fraud investigation: N.S. RCMP

An RCMP vehicle is seen in this file photo. (CTV News Regina)

Seventeen additional victims have come forward in connection with a fraud investigation in Nova Scotia’s Colchester County.

Brian Dethridge, 54, of Truro was arrested on March 5. Police say he is believed to engage in “high-pressure sale tactics to convince people to pay for home security system monitoring and upgrades.”

“Victims are convinced to make payments via cash, e-transfers, or cheques, and do not receive the goods and services they paid for,” reads a news release from the Nova Scotia RCMP.

Dethridge was charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

At the time of Dethridge’s arrest, 15 victims had been identified and police believed there were others.

The RCMP published a news release about the incidents on March 13 and, by May 6, 17 more victims came forward.

“Investigators resubmitted the Fraud and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime charges to include a total of 32 victims,” reads the release.

RCMP responded to a report that Dethridge breached his release conditions “by engaging in the sale of home security system monitoring and upgrades.”

He was arrested on June 4 and charged with three counts of failure to comply with undertaking. Dethridge appeared in Truro provincial court and was released on “strict conditions”

“I commend these victims and others who’ve come forward to police because I know that victims of frauds can feel awkward or embarrassed and are hesitant to report their experience as a result,” says Cpl. Terry Brown, Community Action Team leader. “It’s important for victims to know, we will follow up on their report.”

Police ask anyone who has been a victim of this fraud and anyone who has information about it to contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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