Stinson deal possible
By Jack Wilson - Red Deer Advocate
Published: July 23, 2008 11:54 AM
Charges against the former operator of a property management firm may be resolved without a trial, Red Deer court heard on Wednesday.
Defence lawyer Glyn Walters told provincial court that he’s trying to settle the 17 theft charges.
Ted Randall Stinson, 49, of Red Deer is charged with 10 counts of theft of more than $5,000 and seven counts of theft of less than $5,000.
Judge Thomas Schollie heard Walters wants to meet the Crown prosecutor and try to settle the matter.
Schollie adjourned the case until Aug. 13 to give both sides a chance to discuss the situation.
The charges were laid in early April following a lengthy investigation by Red Deer RCMP.
It’s alleged that Stinson stole the money from clients in 2006 and 2007.
It’s believed the amount is tens of thousands of dollars, said elected representatives of two Red Deer condominium complexes this spring.
Complaints about missing money last year resulted in the hasty departure of the accused from the Real Estate Council of Alberta, which accepted his resignation.
The resignation allowed him to escape a hearing and possible disciplinary action by the council.
He received a voluntary lifetime ban from that group.
Stinson’s company Corner Stone Management and Real Estate Services kept security deposits in a trust account.
The allegation of an account shortage prompted an examination by Service Alberta.
Corner Stone closed its doors shortly before Stinson’s real estate licence was suspended on Feb. 6, 2007.
Some tenants in property managed by Corner Stone claimed they weren’t being refunded damage deposits.
Contact Jack Wilson at jwilson@reddeeradvocate.com
