A provincial court judge in Nanaimo sentenced a man to two years in prison after he bilked a 76-year-old man and others out of more than $87,000.
Rodney Bradford Johnston, 48, was charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000 stemming from incidents between 2012-2015, and pleaded guilty to one count on Jan. 16.
According to information in Judge Brian Harvey’s ruling, Johnston resided at an RV park in Nanaimo. The manager at the park, now 83, became friends with Johnston and gave him money between July 2012 and May 2014. Johnston told him he could get golf carts for $700, which could be flipped for $2,000 and the carts were at auction company ADSEA in Vancouver. The man gave Johnston $35,000 for 42 carts. The man would also provide money to Johnston for living expenses, an RV and fifth wheel trailer, campers and farming equipment. The man never saw any of the items, nor did Johnston ever pay him back.
The man reported Johnston to the police in June 2015 and the subsequent investigation revealed no records of either man at ADSEA or vehicles stored there.
In all, Crown alleges the man provided at least $80,352 to Johnson.
In another incident, a woman, Johnston’s neighbour, introduced Johnston to her brother on Oct. 2, 2012. Johnston told the brother he had purchased nine shipping containers from the Port of Vancouver through a damaged goods claim and the containers were at bargain prices. Johnston told the man iPads, cellphones, computers and televisions were among the contents. The man requested a number of items and gave $5,240 cash.
In addition, Johnston told the man a Honda ATV and electric pallet jack would be available and he gave Johnston another $1,200. The man never received any items, but was subsequently reimbursed $800 for legal fees and repaid $200.
Harvey’s ruling stated the younger man is on stress medication and has trouble buying supplies for his business. The older man suffers from anxiety and his aspirations for an enjoyable retirement have been crushed. His whole lifestyle has changed due to a shortage of money.
According to the ruling, Johnston was involved in an accident eight years ago, which led to an addiction to OxyContin. He abused alcohol, which also led to the offences, and suffers from Crohn’s disease. Johnston was said to have been sexually abused by an uncle when he was 13 and had a difficult upbringing.
Harvey said he found Johnston’s moral culpability very high. He knew what he was doing and had every opportunity to stop.
In addition to the jail sentence, the judge handed down an 18-month probation order. Johnston may not receive cash or cheques from third parties for anything related to commercial transactions and loans and is subject to a number of conditions.
Johnston will be forbidden from volunteering or getting a job that involves authority over property and money of another person for 10 years after being released from prison.
He must repay $7,040 to the younger man and $80,352 to the older man.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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