City cop charged

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An Edmonton police officer and former marketing manager of Cree Airways has been charged with fraud and theft in connection with the now defunct Native-owned airline company.

Randolph Kim Klokeid, a 10-year veteran of the force, was arrested Jan. 18 and suspended without pay after a police investigation.

Klodeid is currently suing Cree Airways for more than $185,000 which led to the freezing of bank accounts and the seizure of the small company's six Cessna planes late last year.

In an interview from his Edmonton home, Cree vice-president Dave Calahasen said a complaint had been made to city police after financial records indicated there were alleged discrepancies.

"The police did their homework and now I am sure justice will be done," he said.

Calahasen won't disclose the names of the shareholders, other than to confirm that Klodeid's mother, Marion, is among them. She is also suing the airline.

Contacted in his Edmonton office, Klodeid said he and his lawyer are currently working on his defense, but refused to give details other than to say he felt "confident" over the impending trial.

Meanwhile, Calahasen is still trying to raise $20,000 needed to fight the Klodeid lawsuit. But, he admits if he is unable to raise the cash by Jan. 22, it will be the end of the small airline which only began operation in August last year.