Brian Merkley – 16 Charges – Fraud Targeting Farmers and Local Businesses

(HURON COUNTY, ON) On Wednesday July 18, 2012 the Huron County OPP Crime Unit with the assistance of the OPP R.A.C.T. (Rural Agricultural Crime Team) completed a six month investigation into rural frauds within the county spanning a period of two years.

The investigation revealed a large number of fraudulent business transactions; impersonation of creditors and the uttering of false documents which had been taking place since January of 2010. Many of the transactions involved the sale of cattle and other agricultural services. The victims included individual farmers and some local businesses.

Brian Merkley (39) of Howick Twp has been charged with “obtaining by false pretence – under $5,000” (1 count), “obtaining by false pretence – over $5,000” (9 counts), “fraud over $5,000” (1 count), “obtaining credit by fraud” (1 count), “theft by person required to account” (2 counts), and “uttering a forged document” (2 counts). He is scheduled to appear in Goderich Court on September 10, 2012, to answer to these charges.

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