Charges laid against suspected Vermilion fraudster after purse was stolen

A Vermilion resident is facing a fraud charge from a scheme dating back from September 2023.

On Sept. 29, 2023, Vermilion RCMP received a complaint of a possible theft or fraud involving an employee at a local hotel.

RCMP said in a release on Thursday that their investigation determined the purse of a hotel patron was stolen after it had been mistakenly left at the hotel.

The patron later learned that their bank cards were used to make various purchases, totalling under $5000.

RCMP said they were able to follow up with the hotel, as well as various locations where the cards were used, to identify a suspect.

As a result of the investigation, Tia Parr, 27, a resident of Vermilion, was charged with one count of fraud under $5000.

Parr was released from custody with her next court appearance scheduled for Monday, Feb. 5, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion.