Preliminary inquiry begins for two Calgary men accused of defrauding Bowness community group of $66,000

Evidence began Tuesday in a preliminary inquiry to determine whether two Calgary men will stand trial on allegations they defrauded the Bowness Ratepayers Scout and Guide Association of more than $66,000.

Joshua Tyler Bredo and Nathan Michael Mizera, each facing a single count of fraud, are accused of involvement with the organization between January 1, 2023, and the end of April 2024. They were charged by Calgary police in June 2024, months after filing a lawsuit against multiple parties, including the Calgary Police Service, alleging corruption.

Before Crown prosecutor Erin Norman began calling evidence before Justice Kristin Fahlman, Bredo—representing himself—requested and was granted a publication ban on testimony. Norman said she expects to call up to five witnesses over the scheduled three-day preliminary inquiry, which will determine if sufficient evidence exists to put the matter before a jury. Bredo has requested at least one additional witness for cross-examination. Defence counsel Leanndria Halcro, acting for Mizera, has not requested additional witnesses.

In a statement of claim filed before charges were laid, Bredo and Mizera sought damages of at least $3.5 million against "state actors and law enforcement defendants," including the Calgary Police Service and some of its members. The claim alleges they were victimized by members of the Bowness association. Among named defendants is Detective Sheldon Graham, whose father served as association president for more than four decades. The lawsuit claims Graham abused his position by accessing and disclosing information regarding Bredo's criminal past, involving a manslaughter conviction in connection with a 2011 B.C. homicide, allegedly to prejudice and interfere with their employment at the association.

Both men were fired from the Bowness association on April 29, 2024. Both remain at liberty.