Stoney Creek man charged in online dating fraud

A 49-year-old Stoney Creek man was charged by Toronto police after allegedly pretending to be a police officer and defrauding a woman he met through a dating website.

The 38-year-old woman was contacted by a man through the website in January 2018 and he allegedly identified himself as a police officer, police said.

They began dating and the man allegedly defrauded her.

On June 2, police arrested 49-year-old Raymond Coles and he was transported to Toronto.

He is charged with fraud over $5,000 and personate a peace officer.

Police said they believe there are more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-4300.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com