Next spring a former High River man with deep historical routes in Alberta will go on trial for allegedly defrauding people in the town and surrounding areas of more than a million dollars.
James Farquarson Macleod, known as Jay Macleod, 47, is charged with fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.
Jay Macleod lived in High River’s Beachwood neighbourhood and worked as a mortgage broker. He was a well-known figure in the community and was a major sponsor of the 2011 Alberta Men’s Curling Championship in High River. He also purchased chuckwagon tarps seen at the High River Chuckwagon races.
However, High River RCMP received complaints about investments made by Macleod on behalf of his clients. A lengthy and complicated investigation into Macleod’s financial activities between 2009 and 2011 was launched by the High River RCMP. In 2013 the RCMP’s serious crime division took over the file.
In February, Macleod was charged. He has since moved to Nanaimo and hired a lawyer from that city.
A five-day trial will is scheduled for Calgary Court starting April 11, 2016.
Macleod is the great-grandson of Col. James Macleod, a former commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police. He established the post in 1874, which would later be named in his honour, Fort Macleod.
