Halifax woman Lesa George faces fraud charges

A woman faces multiple fraud related charges in connection with a nine month investigation.

In September 2010, the HRP/RCMP Integrated Financial Crime Unit received a complaint of a fraud. As a result of the investigation, it is alleged that a woman registered companies under an alias and obtained certificates of ownership from the Registry of Joint Stocks which were used to open bank accounts. She then used the false credentials to rent high-end residential properties and then failed to make rent payments. There were also complaints from people whose credit cards were illegally used. At this time, police have identified a total of 14 victims in relation to this investigation.

Forty-eight-year-old Lesa George, also known as Lesa Jurgan, was arrested at 9:30 a.m. yesterday morning without incident in Bedford. She appeared in court yesterday and is scheduled to appear again today to face 120 fraud related charges consisting mainly of uttering forged documents, forgery and false pretences. The investigation is on-going and more charges are expected. Anyone who believes they were a victim of this type of fraud is encouraged to contact investigators.