Photo West Van Police
West Vancouver police say they now have a man wanted on fraud charges in custody.
Last week, police sought a warrant for the arrest of Christian Michael Lee Richardson, on allegations he’d been using the gay dating app Grindr to prey on younger men. Police say Richardson offered to be their sugar daddy – offering financial support as well as a romance– but in fact, he was writing them bogus cheques. Two victims are alleged to have been taken for more than $3,000.
The Crown swore five charges against the 39-year-old, including two counts of theft, two counts of fraud and one count of using a forged document, although police did not know where Richardson was at the time.
West Vancouver police issued a statement on Monday morning, saying Richardson had since been found.
“Following a tip from the public, Mr. Richardson was arrested Friday, April 20, 2018 by Burnaby RCMP and taken for an appearance at North Vancouver provincial court. Mr. Richardson was remanded in custody pending a further court appearance at North Vancouver provincial court Wednesday, April 25,” the statement read.
Police say it is possible there are other victims who have not yet come forward.
