Mall security guard accused of pocketing thousands in lost cash turned in by shopper

Calgary police have charged a former mall security guard with theft in connection with the disappearance of thousands of dollars in cash that was turned in almost two years ago by a Good Samaritan but never reported to the authorities.

The money was found at the North Hill Shopping Centre on Nov. 14, 2019, by a shopper, who handed it over to a security guard, police said in a release.

Several days later, the Good Samaritan called Calgary police to follow up and it was realized that the cash had never been reported to police.

On Wednesday, police said they have charged a man who was working as a security guard at the time of the incident. It's alleged that Ronny James Labelle, 50, kept the cash rather than inform police about the found money.

He is charged with theft over $5,000.

Investigators are continuing to try to locate the rightful owner of the money. It's not believed the original loss was ever reported to police.

Anyone who believes they are the rightful owner of the cash, or who has other information related to the investigation, should call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234. A detailed description of what was lost will be required.