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Search ongoing for woman accused of fraud by Bonnyville police

Police obtained a warrant for the arrest of a 37-year-old woman from Cold Lake and are hoping the public can help locate her.

BONNYVILLE – Bonnyville RCMP continue to seek the assistance of the public to help locate 37-year-old Petcharnin (Patty) Cowden of Cold Lake who is being charged with fraud and forging documents. 

In January of this year, Bonnyville RCMP received a report from the Bonnyville Boys and Girls Club, alleging fraud by an employee. Over $60,000 is reportedly involved in the fraud.  

Following an investigation by RCMP, Cowden is being charged with fraud greater than $5,000 (x6), fraud less than $5,000 (x5) and forging documents (x3). 

Police obtained a warrant for Cowden’s arrest in July, but have been unable to locate her. 

RCMP Cpl. Shawn Morgan told Lakeland This Week, “We know she fled the Bonnyville RCMP jurisdiction. That's why the warrant was sought for and obtained...  and that is why we had made that appeal to the media for information.” 

Shortly after the RCMP released their request to locate Cowden, social media users quickly connected Cowden to an Instagram account under the name Patty Srisuwan, which appears to belong to Cowden. 

Posts on the social media account, suspected of belonging to Cowden, suggest she has been outside of Canada since July 16, when a photo was posted and tagged in the City of Abu Dhabi.  

“The investigation is aware of the Instagram account,” Morgan says, adding that RCMP can’t comment on how long they have known about the social media account. 

“When it comes to Instagram, you can say you’re one place and not be there,” he says. “Is it possible she fled the country? It's possible, but we can't confirm or corroborate that at this point.” 

He adds that not only can an individual share old photos passing them off as new, but social media accounts can be created by anyone proclaiming to be someone they are not. 

Morgan says information released by RCMP is specific for a reason. 

“There's things that you don't want to jeopardize your investigation, so the focus remains to find Ms. Cowden with the public's assistance.” 

Cowden is described as having a light complexion, being 5ft 3in tall, and weighing about 145 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. 

Bonnyville RCMP are asking the public to come forward with any information about Cowden’s whereabouts. Please contact the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-826-3358 or your local police. 

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