A man who allegedly committed fraud totalling $300,000 in losses from 139 individuals is facing one count of fraud.

The Winnipeg Police Service says while investigating, they discovered at least 116 instances of pre-arranged funeral plans and pre-arranged funeral insurance plans that were distributed to its intended recipients.

The Winnipeg Police Service says between February 2006 and February 2018, $175,000 from the funds of 76 pre-arranged funeral plans were not placed into a trust. They also say between January 2007 and April 2017, 40 pre-arranged funeral insurance plans were sold but the funds were not given to the insurance company. Police say Losses to customers amounted to $75,000.

The WPS says in March of 2018 the Court of Queen's Bench ordered Wheeler Funeral Home, a local funeral home, into receivership and appointed a trustee.

The next month, the Winnipeg Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit began their investigation into Chad Wheeler, the licenced Funeral Director and operator of Wheeler Funeral Home.

While investigating, additional fraudulent activity was discovered between January 2007 and April 2017, totalling $50,000.

In total, 139 victims reported losses of $300,000 in the time period between February 2006 and February 2018. 

The suspect is being charged with one count of Fraud Over $5,000. He was released on an Undertaking as per the Criminal Code of Canada. Wheeler is set to appear in court in January.