Former Edmonton police officer Riccardo Zenari charged with theft

On Friday, March 18, 2011, the Edmonton Police Service Professional Standards Branch charged former EPS Const. Riccardo Zenari, 39, with two counts of theft over $5000 and two counts of fraud over $5000.

The charges stem from events alleged to have occurred between January 2008 and February 2011.

An investigation began in February 2011, following a standard audit review for the year 2010. Discrepancies were allegedly discovered in relation to the records of one employee.

During the investigation, based on all information collected to date, the accused was placed on immediate unpaid suspension on March 9, 2011, at the discretion of the EPS A/Chief of Police. He was officially charged nine days later.

Zenari resigned from the EPS on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. He had been a patrol officer for 13-years.

The charges were determined in consultation with crown counsel. Zenari has been released by way of a promise to appear, with his first court appearance scheduled for April 29, 2011.