Richard Earl Rupert wanted on a Canada-Wide Warrant for Robbery

On Friday, December 4, 2009, a news release was issued requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man wanted in a robbery investigation.

It was alleged that:

– from January 2008 to November 2009, there have been 20 victims, ranging in age from 78 to 95, with an average age of 81,

– the accused attends retirement homes and communities where he presents himself as a distant relative, usually a nephew,

– the accused then convinces his victims to provide him with money for travel, car repairs, or rent,

– he is described as polite, well-mannered and well-spoken, and uses many aliases, but usually uses the first name Richard,

– he frequents bingo halls, stays in motels, bed & breakfasts, occasionally staying at hostels, and pays cash.

Richard Earl Rupert, 54, is wanted on a Canada-Wide Warrant for:

1) Robbery,
2) Break-and-Enter,
3) eight counts of Fraud Under,
4) three counts of Attempt Fraud Under,
5) six counts of Theft Under.

It is reported that:

– on Friday, June 4, 2010, at 5 p.m., Winnipeg Police Service uniform officers responded to suspicious activity occurring at Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in the 300 block of St. Mary Avenue,

– the investigation has revealed that an elderly man had been withdrawing cash from the ATM, possibly under the direction of a suspicious man who was standing alongside the elderly man,

– an alert employee recognized this scenario as a possible “senior scam” incident and notified police.

Upon police arrival, both the elderly man and the suspicious man were gone from the area.

Richard Earl Rupert is a Person of Interest in a large number of related offences targeting senior citizens across Ontario and Canada.

Bank employees are asked to be especially vigilant when dealing with customers who are senior citizens accompanied by a man matching the above description.

The Toronto Police Service is working with the Winnipeg Police Service on this investigation.