Alberta Transportation worker facing theft and fraud charges

After a two-year investigation, the Taber Police Service has charged a long-serving and senior employee of Alberta Transportation with major theft and fraud.

Barnwell resident Darrell Turner is alleged to have sold government assets for his own financial benefit to unsuspecting clients. In one case, the accused is alleged to have sold several barrels of Gravelock, a common dust control agent used on gravel roads, to a third party at a discounted rate.

The proceeds were allegedly paid directly to the accused. The retail cost of the Gravelock was $70,000.

Turner is also accused of selling $110,000 of government-owned gravel to third parties, again with payments allegedly made directly to himself.

The Taber Police Service investigation further revealed Turner allegedly received money from a highway maintenance subcontractor over a six-year period to ensure that sub-contractor was awarded a contract.

In 2013, Turner additionally caused numerous road signs to be purchased and provided them to an acquaintance, free of charge, outside of Alberta Transportation’s jurisdiction, says the TPS. The road signs’ value exceeded $2,000.

Turner, 62, has been charged with Section 334(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (theft over $5,000), Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (fraud over $5,000), and Section 426(1)(a)of the Criminal Code of Canada (Secret Commissions — Corruptly obtaining a Financial Advantage).

The accused was arrested and released on an interim basis pending future court appearances. Turner’s first provincial court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 7 in Taber.

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