A Chestermere man has been charged after being accused of defrauding dozens of people through fraudulent lot sales at an undeveloped RV Park near Sundre.
"In August 2017, the suspect purchased approximately 94.22 acres of land southeast of Sundre, Alta., under the company Clearwater Cottages Ltd., intending to develop an RV campground," police said in a release.
Craig Douglas McMorran began advertising and selling lots with 99-year lease terms.
"Prices ranged from $39,900 to $69,900, while a combined lot and cottage package was sold for $169,000. Between August 2017 and September 2020, 26 lots were sold to unsuspecting victims," police added.
McMorran was charged with fraud over $5,000.
According to police, McMorran began developing the land into a campground site in 2017, despite not having an approved permit.
"Notices were issued from Clearwater County to cease development, however the suspect continued construction," police added.
In 2022, a court order required residents to vacate their properties.
Multiple people from Calgary were informed that their lots were sold to them fraudulently.
"We received several complaints, and the Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit began investigating," police said.
"Throughout the investigation it was determined the 26 lot owners have suffered a combined loss of approximately $1.5 million, after believing they were purchasing legitimate RV lots."
McMorran is scheduled to appear in court on May 6.