Sask. court hears former banking officer responsible for stealing over $700K

By Nigel Maxwell

Over the course of six years, a former personal banking officer in Wakaw was responsible for stealing over $738,000 in funds from 11 separate victims, largely seniors.

Those was among the facts heard at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert on Monday, as Brenda Venne entered a guilty plea to fraud over $5,000.

In early December of 2020, Wakaw RCMP received a report of theft from a person’s bank account. Once the investigation started, Saskatoon RCMP took over due to its scope and complexity.

The fraud and thefts themselves occurred between Jan. 2, 2013 and April 30, 2019. Sgt. Greg Smith credited the “vigilance of one keen individual” in coming forward.

According to facts heard on Monday, a complainant reported $92,000 missing from their account and in total there were 157 fraudulent transfers identified.

Sentencing has been adjourned to Nov. 5 to allow time for a separate matter to be resolved.

As explained by defence lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr., a civil court judgment in the amount of $750,000 was previously awarded to Conexus Credit Union. A sale of farm land is in the works.

The Crown has indicated plans for a custodial sentence, while the defence wants a community based sentence.

Venne, who was 63 at the time the charges were laid, retired from banking in July, 2020.

According to a statement provided previously by Conexus Credit Union, the union worked with auditors and investigators and had contacted those who had been affected by the fraud.

“We sincerely regret that this has happened,” the statement added.

“Members can take comfort and have confidence this is an isolated incident linked to one former employee. We are here to reassure you, our members, that your hard-earned funds and assets are safe.”