Calgary businesswoman accused of defrauding longtime friend

A 14-month investigation has led to a Calgary business owner being charged in connection with an alleged fraud that police say cost a "vulnerable person" many thousands of dollars.

But the woman facing those charges says she's done nothing wrong, calling the allegations hurtful.

Investigators say a person, due to a medical condition, asked a friend to become their power of attorney in 2016.

Once the friend took control of the person's finances, police believe she had personally taken and mismanaged more than $350,000 belonging to the person between December 2016 and August 2020.

Police said they began their investigation after they were contacted in October 2021. The department's elder abuse response team started the probe.

The Calgary Police Service says Valerie Dorothy Mackenzie, 62, is now facing a charge of theft over $5,000, one count of fraud over $5,000 and one count of laundering proceeds of crime. She is set to appear in court on Jan. 31.

Police identified Mackenzie as the owner of Calgary-based Making Space Professionals, a business they say specializes in helping seniors and vulnerable people.  

Reached by CBC News for comment on Wednesday afternoon, Mackenzie said she is innocent and called the allegations hurtful and vindictive.

Mackenzie said she's known her friend since they were kids, adding they lived together in their childhood. 

"I'm not guilty. I can account for everything, there was nothing illegally taken," Mackenzie said. "She's putting me out of work."