OTTAWA - Two Embrun women face numerous charges after a lengthy investigation into alleged fraud and theft at the Cumberland Lodge Retirement Home.

A total of eighteen victims were defrauded of $346,000, police said.

Mary Joanne Ireanne Talbot-Brisson, 46, faces 25 theft and fraud charges including criminal breach of trust, fraud exceeding $5,000, theft exceeding $5,000, falsifying an employment record and uttering a forged document.

Police say that in 1998, Talbot-Brisson was hired by Cumberland Lodge after falsely representing herself as a registered nurse.

Mary Joanne Josee Brisson, 22, faces charges of criminal breach of trust, theft under $5,000, fraud under $5000, and misappropriation of money held under direction while also employed by the Cumberland Lodge.

The suspects aided the victims in the paying of living expenses. The retirement home has stepped in to make sure that none of the victims has to worry about the paying of rent or other costs associated with the alleged fraud.

Both suspects were arrested Thursday and are scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5945.

Police are also asking any other possible victims to step forward.