Arrest made in Redcliff Legion theft

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An arrest has been made in regards to the misappropriation of funds at the Redcliff Legion.

At this time, the person in question cannot be identified, but they have been charged with theft over $5,000, said branch president Barry Cole, and will appear in Medicine Hat Court on April 17. The Legion had lost roughly $60,000 dollars due to theft in 2022.

“We’re feeling pretty good about it,” said Cole. “It’s certainly put a lot off our minds because, obviously, while it was still ongoing, nobody knew what was happening. But now, we know somebody has been charged, and we can hopefully get some restitution.”

While the Legion has been slowly healing from the missing funds month by month, said Cole, there have been several instances where the deficit has prevented them from organizing events or activities for members due to budgeting.

The deficit is something Cole “inherited” from the previous president, but he said he still feels the effects as he has tried to repair what was damaged, and he is looking forward to receiving some closure for the Legion on the matter.

“It’s in the back of our minds, now,” said Cole. “Always wondering, while we’re doing this, what can we do to make sure that this doesn’t happen again. We’re looking forward to being able to move on.”

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