Etobicoke man charged after posing as lawyer

A 31-year-old Etobicoke man is facing fraud charges after allegedly posing as a lawyer in the Barrie area.

Following a complaint to the Barrie Police fraud unit earlier this year, it was discovered that the man, whose name has not been released, had allegedly created a public image where he portrayed himself to be a law student working to become a lawyer.

“He eventually led victims to believe that he had graduated from law school, written and passed the bar exam in Ontario, and been offered employment by a law firm, all of which the investigation revealed to be fictitious,” according to a news release from Barrie police.

“The suspect created forged documents which he disseminated to trusting victims in order to further support his claims. The suspect was successful in defrauding two victims of a significant amount of money which was intended to be used for various purposes related to his career and services as a lawyer.”

The man was arrested last Thursday and charged with fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000 and two counts of uttering forged documents and uttering threats. He appeared in court last Friday.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are asking other potential victims to come forward at 705725-7025 ext. 2955 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.