A 33-year-old Calgary woman who allegedly posed as the owner of a Crescent Heights apartment and collected damage deposits from would-be renters has pleaded guilty. According to Calgary Police Service officials, Crystal Kathleen Shannon advertised an apartment in the 300 block of Second Avenue N.E. for rent on classified sites and did show the suite to prospective tenants. Shannon allegedly requested a damage deposit by e-transfer and arranged a tentative move-in date. After the money was transferred, communication with Shannon would abruptly end. Investigators believe the accused had lived in the apartment at some point in time, but confirm she is not the owner and was not authorized to rent or sublet it. According to court records, Shannon pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud under $5,000 on Nov. 30, 2023, and was given 18 months’ probation and ordered to pay restitution to the victim. An additional charge of fraud under $5,000 and two counts of uttering a forged document were withdrawn.
