The accused, Stephanie Lamontagne, operating as Apex Property Management, was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 arising from 12 kitchen cupboard and home renovation contracts executed between February 2017 and October 2018.
The Crown called 16 complainants as witnesses, along with a detective constable and licensing enforcement officer.
The accused testified in her own defence.
The court found that the accused made false representations regarding licensing, business capability, and project timelines; accepted 50 percent deposits; failed to complete contracted work; refused to return property or deposits; and provided excuses and diversions to mislead complainants.
The court applied the three-step analysis from R. v. W.(D.) and found the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of fraud.
