Tradesman Jeremy Scott Kalanuk was working on a project at Regent Law office when the temptation to steal a cheque became too much and he slipped the document into his pocket.
He attempted to pass off the cheque as legitimate and had it cashed, but the law eventually caught up with him.
Kalanuk, 41, from Moose Jaw, appeared in provincial court on March 16, where he pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000 and uttering a forged document. He was given a suspended sentence — he won’t have to serve jail time — and was fined $200 for the theft and $100 for uttering a forged document. He can either work off or pay the fine.
The contractor has a criminal record, with the most recent charge occurring in 2011.
Lawyer Talon Regent called police on Jan. 7 to report that a forged cheque for $150 had been issued to Kalanuk on Dec. 31, 2019, explained Crown prosecutor Rob Parker. Kalanuk was an independent contractor who had been performing renovations at the law office. He was unsupervised at the time and took a cheque from the business’ operating account, issued it to himself, and then had his mother deposit it and withdraw the money.
“When the cheque was returned back, Mr. Regent noticed very quickly that it was not (an authentic) cheque (and) verified with his associate and staff that no one had written out a cheque to Mr. Kalanuk,” Parker continued.
Kalanuk was co-operative with police in this matter, he emailed an apology to Regent, and he pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity, the Crown prosecutor added. He recommended that Kalanuk be given a suspended sentence, especially since he is suffering from serious health issues.
“I apologize,” Kalanuk said to Judge Brian Hendrickson.
The contractor explained that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and hasn’t thought correctly since then. He pushed everyone away and attempted to keep himself together in the short-term. However, he made a poor choice, especially near Christmas, and still didn’t want to spend time with his family or friends.
“I had the best intentions, even after this came about,” Kalanuk continued. “The company I was doing the work for, I still finished my work at the Talon (Regent) Office … . I was in a panic for money. I truly don’t know why (I did what I did).”
Hendrickson accepted the Crown’s recommendation, noting Kalanuk likely acted as he did due to possible depression. The judge waived the 30-per-cent victim surcharge and gave the contractor six months to pay his $300 fine.
Moose Jaw provincial court next meets on March 18.
