Wood Buffalo RCMP arrested a local contractor after receiving multiple fraud allegations.
Since July 18, 2022, investigators said they got several complaints accusing Total Pride Home Improvements and its owner, Donnie Whitty, of defrauding customers.
Between May and June, victims said they contacted Whitty, who agreed to do home improvements jobs in exchange for a deposit.
Upon submitting a deposit, however, they said Whitty ceased communications and didn’t do any of the contracted work.
RCMP said more than $50,000 of deposits went unfulfilled.
On July 27, one victim posted on social media accusing Whitty stole $7,800 on the RMWB Uncensored Discussion page.
On July 29, Wood Buffalo RCMP arrested and charged Whitty with four counts of fraud over $5000, and three counts of fraud under $5000.
Police also charged him with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
As early as 2020, Whitty and Total Pride Home Improvements conducted business in Fort McMurray.
Police say communications between Whitty, his customers and victims, were mainly through Fort McMurray Side Jobs.
In 2020 and 2021, Whitty posted on that group page multiple images of completed work throughout the city and recommendations from clients.
MyMcMurray has attempted to contact Total Pride Home Improvements for comment.
Wood Buffalo RCMP asks anyone who may be victims of fraudulent activity to contact them.
