Wakaw woman charged with defrauding 11 people, including seniors

A 63-year-old woman from Wakaw is facing charges for allegedly defrauding 11 people — many of them seniors — over more than six years.

In a media release Thursday, the RCMP said it got a report in December of 2020 about a theft from a person’s bank account.

The Mounties said the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section took over because of “the scope and complexities” of the investigation. Police determined the fraud and thefts occurred between Jan. 2, 2013 and April 30, 2019.

On Wednesday, the RCMP charged Brenda Venne with one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000. She’s to appear in Wakaw Provincial Court on June 14.

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

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

In a statement late Thursday afternoon, Conexus Credit Union said it worked with auditors and investigators and those who had been affected by the fraud “have been contacted, informed and made whole.”

“We sincerely regret that this has happened,” the statement added. “Members can take comfort and have confidence this is an isolated incident linked to one former employee. We are here to reassure you, our members, that your hard-earned funds and assets are safe.”