Derek Johnson sentenced to 2 months in jail after ignoring court order

An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Calgary man described as a scam artist who preys on vulnerable people by dealing in real estate and mortgages without a licence.

Derek Johnson was sentenced to two months in jail on Tuesday when he failed to appear in court, after he and his business partner Kevin Kumar continued to broker real estate deals despite an explicit order to stop. 

• Calgary's Derek Johnson fined for posing as realtor
• Derek Johnson, who posed as a Calgary realtor, found in contempt of court

Johnson's exact whereabouts are unknown, but officials believe he is living in B.C., where the warrant cannot be executed. 

Justice Sheilah Martin said jail time was the only penalty that would demonstrate the authority of the court in light of Johnson and Kumar's "contemptuous conduct" and "deliberate disobedience of court orders."

"I consider it to be my duty to punish them by a period of incarceration," she said.

Former victim hoped for longer sentence

Eric Vance lost title to his property because of one of Johnson's schemes and had to pay $6,000 to get his house back.

He said it was "frustrating" that Johnson remains at large, but said "sooner or later he has to come back to Alberta."

Vance also said he had hoped for a longer jail sentence, but expressed relief that "finally something has happened."

"It seemed for two years now he has been operating. Fines haven't stopped him, publicity on the Internet hasn't stopped him. Maybe this will put a crimp for a couple of months into his actions."

The Real Estate Council of Alberta, which initiated the court action, said it was pleased with the court's decision and that it reflected the serious nature of Johnson's actions.