Former Cochrane firefighter charged with fraud after charity notices missing money

Harold (Jeff) Avery is seen in an interview with CTV News Calgary in 2022.

A former Cochrane firefighter is facing charges after an investigation into money that went missing from a local charity.

Cochrane RCMP say they launched an investigation in February 2024 after receiving a complaint from the Cochrane firefighter’s foundation about missing funds.

In a Thursday news release, RCMP said an investigation revealed the accused had “been personally gaining” from the foundation.

B.C. resident Harold (Jeff) Avery, 57, has been charged with fraud over $5,000.

Avery was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.