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PRINCE ALBERT - A former bank employee in Wakaw, who defrauded seniors of about $750,000, was sentenced to three years in prison at the Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert.

Brenda Venne, now 66, of Wakaw, previously pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000, in which 11 individuals who were victims of the fraud were named. Justice G.A. Meschishnick also ordered Venne to pay $750,302 in restitution, to Cumis General Insurance company, during her sentencing on Nov. 5.  

Police previously reported that in early December 2020, they received a report of a theft from an individual’s personal bank account. Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) took over the investigation and discovered most of the victims were seniors.

“This 16-month long fraud and theft investigation began due to the vigilance of one keen individual,” Sgt. Greg Smith, acting officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section, said previously. “It takes great strength for a victim to come forward to police and make a report and I commend them for this.

“Eleven victims, the majority 小蓝视频 seniors, were ultimately identified during the course of this investigation. Sadly, some of the victims died prior to the initial report made to police.”

Police say the fraud and thefts occurred between Jan. 2, 2013, and April 30, 2019. The offences took place while Venne was working at Conexus Credit Union in Wakaw.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Souter stressed to SaskToday that defrauding seniors is a serious offence.

"Fraud in particular and the defrauding of vulnerable individuals by people in positions of authority required a custodial sentence to denounce the offender's action," she said. "The Crown is pleased that this matter has come to an end and Ms. Venne has been sentenced to a period of custody which reflects the harm that she has done to the victims and the community."   

According to the Agreed Statement of Facts, in total there were 157 fraudulent transfers by Venne between 2013 and 2019.

The case came about as a result of a complaint investigation initiated by both the RCMP and Conexus Credit Union, where Venne worked as a financial services representative and a financial services supervisor. Venne retired from Conexus Credit Union in July of 2020.

Souter thanked the RCMP for their "stellar investigation" in the case.   

- With files from Lisa Joy