The Port Alberni RCMP has made an arrest in relation to the repeated fraudulent use of Tseshaht Chief Hugh Braker’s name in a scam aimed at raising money for those suffering the aftermath of fictitious family tragedies. Robert Bennett Peters, 49, of no fixed address is facing two charges of Fraud for his role in soliciting funds over the phone using Chief Braker’s name.
Peters was apprehended in Nanaimo on Wednesday, April 27th in the vicinity of the location where victims were being directed to bring the illegally solicited funds.
The local officer leading the investigation personally disseminated surveillance photos to all businesses in the harbour front area in Nanaimo earlier this week, and when Peters showed up yesterday at one of the businesses, the proprietor recognized him and called the Nanaimo police who located and arrested Peters.
We are pleased with the outcome in this troubling matter, said Inspector Mac Richards of the Port Alberni RCMP. This individual was preying upon kind-hearted and generous citizens who were willing to help their fellow man deal with tragedy. It was morally and criminally reprehensible, he said.
Peters has been remanded into custody for his appearance on May 13th in Port Alberni.
