Accused bank robber found guilty of attempting to obstruct justice

KELOWNA – An alleged Kelowna bank robber has yet to go to trial for that crime.

But he has been convicted for threatening a witness in the case.

In December 2014, the Bank of Montreal at the Capri Shopping Centre was robbed by a man armed with a knife.

Tayler Verhaegen was later arrested and charged.

While out on bail, Verhaegen phoned and text messaged a former co-worker who testified against him at the preliminary hearing.

Verhaegen was under a court order to have no contact with the man.

The messages, including “police seem to think you’re a rat” and “you will end up seeing me sooner or later”, left the witness feeling very frightened and afraid for the safety of his young children.

Verhaegen was found guilty of attempting to obstruct justice.

The judge delayed sentencing pending completion of a Pre-Sentence Report by probation services.

Verhaegen’s bank robbery trial is scheduled for September.