A Victoria woman accused of posing as a Fort McMurray evacuee for personal benefit has been charged with five counts of fraud under $5,000, RCMP announced Thursday.
Jamie Lynn Cox, 39, was charged Tuesday and has since been released from custody with conditions. She is scheduled to make a court appearance in Fort McLeod on June 1.
Her partner Darryl Rondeau, also a Victoria resident, was charged with one count of fraud under $5,000 on May 15 for his alleged participation in the scam.
Police allege the pair travelled to Claresholm, Alta. and “took advantage” of the generosity of town residents who believed they were helping victims of a massive wildfire that displaced tens of thousands of residents.
They say the couple received lodging, clothes, meals and a pair of work boots from residents.
But the pair have never lived in Fort McMurray and had no ties to the province, according to police.
Rondeau pleaded guilty to his fraud charge Wednesday in Fort McLeod Provincial Court and was sentenced to 30 days behind bars.
