Meghan Grant · CBC News
Ronald James Aitkens, a 70-year-old Calgary fraudster, was apprehended last week in the United States after fleeing Canada to evade sentencing for fraud-related convictions. The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) confirmed his return to Canadian soil following his arrest in Montana.
Aitkens was convicted in July 2020 of two offences under the Alberta Securities Act, but he failed to appear in court for sentencing in November, prompting Canada-wide warrants for his arrest. After his arrest, he was transported to British Columbia and made a court appearance there before being transferred to Calgary.
“The ASC was determined to ensure he did not escape the consequences of his actions,” stated Cynthia Campbell, director of enforcement at the commission. Prosecutor Yasifina Somji noted that Aitkens fled across the border on the day he was supposed to be sentenced, where he faced a potential five-year prison term. His defense attorney had suggested a two-year conditional sentence to allow Aitkens to serve time at home.
Aitkens was initially charged in September 2013, but the case was delayed for a decade due to various factors, including health issues and changes in legal counsel. He raised over $35 million from around 1,400 investors through his real estate investment company, Legacy Communities, falsely promising to develop a 503-acre parcel of land in Calgary. Instead, he misappropriated over $10 million of that money for his personal businesses.
The ASC expressed gratitude to the public for providing tips on Aitkens’ whereabouts during his time on the run. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday in Calgary.