Legal counsel representing a local business owner who was charged with money laundering and fraud, among other things, has issued a statement.
In an emailed statement to DiscoverAirdrie, Michael J. Kiss of Kiss Law stated, 'Mr. Stella will vigorously defend against these charges in court.'
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"He looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name and restore his reputation."
According to Mounties, the charges stem from a year-long investigation culminating in search warrants executed at three locations in Calgary and Airdrie in late August.
"Calgary area dealership International Motor Cars had two locations searched, which led police to recover three stolen and re-pinned vehicles. These vehicles had been sold through the dealership or were advertised for sale. Also, an additional vehicle was located that was determined to be the proceeds of the crime," police stated in a previous news release this week.
Investigators also believe that other stolen and re-vinned vehicles have been sold through the dealership that has not been located.
The dealership's owner, 26-year-old Brooks Stella, a resident of Airdrie, has since been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking, Fraud Over $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, two counts of Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime, and Forgery, in addition to the money laundering and fraud charges.
RCMP noted that they had also engaged with the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) to address numerous victims of International Motor Cars.
Stella has been released from custody and will appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on October 23.
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