Three Olympic athletes training in Calgary for the Vancouver Games were among a group of investors allegedly bilked out of $435,000 in a Calgary man’s scheme, police say.
Police have charged Robert Gordon Daignault, 42, with 10 counts of theft over $5,000 and two counts of fraud over $5,000 for allegedly selling lakefront property in Camrose that he didn’t actually own.
While the three athletes training in Calgary last year were among the victims of the alleged scheme, including an American bobsled team member, Const. Sandra Carroll said the athletes weren’t specifically targeted.
“He was just trying to get money from all the investors he could. The athletes were training in Calgary,” Carroll alleged.
“I guess he’s quite a personable guy. They were acquaintances. I’m not sure how they met, but they hung out.”
It’s alleged that Daignault and another man created a company called Canadian Properties Corp. and collected $435,000 in investments from at least 10 victims, who were taken for amounts ranging from $25,000 to $105,000.
The investigation began in November 2008.
Daignault remains in custody until a bail hearing tomorrow.
