Dartmouth, N.S. — A Winnipeg man who pleaded guilty to defrauding three Halifax-area seniors out of nearly $30,000 in a bail scam asked a Dartmouth court Friday to transfer his sentencing to Newfoundland and Labrador, where he faces similar charges.
Charles Gillen, 25, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to three counts of fraud over $5,000 in connection with a series of targeted phone scams that tricked elderly victims into believing their relatives needed bail money after fake accidents.
During Friday’s court appearance, defence lawyer Giancarla Francis requested that the case be moved to Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court in St. John’s, where Gillen is due to appear Monday. Francis said Gillen prefers to be sentenced for all charges at once. She also shared a cultural assessment with his legal counsel in Newfoundland for the upcoming hearing.
Crown attorney Scott Morrison had no objection but asked the Dartmouth court to schedule a follow-up date. Judge Michael Sherar granted the transfer request and scheduled an update hearing for May 23.
The Halifax Incidents
In January 2023, Gillen was involved in three scams targeting seniors:
Jan. 24: A 72-year-old man in Dartmouth was tricked by someone posing as his son-in-law who claimed he was in jail after a car crash involving a pregnant woman. A fake lawyer said a bail bondsman would collect money. Gillen arrived and took $9,250.
Jan. 25: A 75-year-old Dartmouth man received a similar call from a fake nephew and lawyer. Gillen picked up $9,840 from the man’s home.
Feb. 10: An 83-year-old Halifax woman was convinced to hand over $9,860, after being told her son-in-law was in legal trouble. Gillen again showed up posing as a bail agent.
All three incidents involved impersonation and manipulation, targeting seniors with urgent, emotional appeals.
Gillen was later arrested in Newfoundland and Labrador on related fraud allegations. Halifax police laid 13 charges in total, including fraud, possession of property obtained by crime, conspiracy, and participating in a criminal organization. The remaining charges are expected to be withdrawn after sentencing.
He was released on bail for the Nova Scotia charges in February 2024, after also securing bail in Newfoundland.
