Two people have been charged in relation to a grandparent scam in Okotoks.

On January 11, Okotoks RCMP responded to a complaint from an elderly couple, both 88 years old, saying someone was trying to defraud them for thousands of dollars.

Someone had contacted the couple online claiming to be a police officer, saying a family member of theirs needed bail money, which would be picked up at their home.

Two people were arrested and found in possession of thousands of dollars in cash and various amounts of drugs:

  • $7,000 in cash in banking envelopes
  • A black wig
  • 239.5 grams of methamphetamine
  • 56.8 grams of fentanyl
  • 11.3 grams of cocaine

Another victim, an 88-year-old from Calgary, was identified from an envelope found in the suspects' car, and police are arranging for money to be returned to them.

One of the suspects, 40-year-old Jonathon Gardippe of Rocky Mountain House, has been charged with:

  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Possession of Property Obtain by Crime Over $5,000
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

The other suspect, 47-year-old Kathryn Kaun of Calgary, is facing the following charges:

  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Disguise with Intent

Kaun is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 8 and Gardippe is due to appear in court on Feb. 15.

Anyone who believes they or a relative are being targeted in a grandparent scam is urged to contact their local RCMP detachment.