Category: Bancroft

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Bancroft Belleville OPP Police Press Releases

4 Arrested In Drug Bust – Names Released

(BANCROFT, ON) – Four people have been charged following a drug trafficking investigation, which began in the summer of 2025 by Bancroft OPP.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the OPP Community Street Crime Unit, Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit and members of the Bancroft Detachment executed a warrant at a residence in Faraday Township.

Officers located a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, Canadian currency, a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and other items commonly related to drug trafficking.

Kent BOWERS, age 41, from Belleville has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, methamphetamine 
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Fail to comply with probation order – three counts

Erica OLMSTEAD, age 32, from Hastings Highlands has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking, methamphetamine 
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • Fail to comply with probation order

Christopher RAMSAY, age 47, from Faraday Township has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Unauthorized possession of a weapon
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – nine counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order – two counts

Tanya SHWEDO, age 47, from Faraday Township has been arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of a weapon.

All four accused remain in custody pending upcoming court dates.

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ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS Bancroft Kingston OPP Yarker

Repeat Offenders Arrested Again – Stolen Property Recovered #3Strikes

(BANCROFT, ON) – Three people face multiple charges in connection to stolen property.

On Friday, September 5, 2025, shortly after 11:00 a.m., two people were arrested near Gilmour, Ontario in relation to warrants from several different jurisdictions. Members of Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), Emergency Response Team, East Region Community Street Crime Unit, and Bancroft Detachment assisted with the arrests. Upon further investigation a stolen ATV and SUV were located, and a third person was arrested.

Robin BLUNDELL, age 40, of Yarker has been charged with the following offences:

·      Fail to comply with a probation order

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – two counts

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a schedule I substance – Fentanyl

Lisa SWEET, age 52, of Addington Highlands has been charged with the following offences:

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – two counts

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a schedule I substance – Fentanyl

Mathew FRENCH, age 34, of Kingston has been charged with the following offences:

·      Fail to comply with a probation order – two counts

·      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 – two counts

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a schedule I substance – Fentanyl

·      Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order – two counts

SWEET and FRENCH remain in custody. BLUNDELL was released following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft at a later date.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jody WATSON Was Arrested Again #3Strikes

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with drug trafficking after a routine traffic stop.

On Friday, August 29, 2025, just after 9:00 p.m., Bancroft OPP officers were conducting traffic patrol on Highway 62 in the municipality of Hastings Highlands. Officers stopped a vehicle for a driving offence and observed drugs in the vehicle and one person was arrested. As a result of a vehicle search over 80 grams of cocaine, nearly $1000 in cash, scales, and cell phones were seized.

Jody WATSON, 39, of Hastings Highlands, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Possession of a schedule I substance – cocaine
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • Fail to comply with a release order – three counts
  • Fail to comply with a probation order

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(BANCROFT, ON) – A search warrant in Bancroft has resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and the arrest of three people.

Earlier this summer, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit began an investigation into drug trafficking in the area.

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, officers with the Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by members of the Bancroft Detachment and the OPP Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on Hastings Street.

They seized over 13 grams of suspected fentanyl, over six grams of suspected cocaine and approximately one gram of suspected crystal methamphetamine, as well as items typically associated with drug trafficking. Three people were arrested.

Kyle DEXTER, age 37 of Lake St. Peter and Chantel KING, age 44 of Bancroft, have been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – three counts
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime

Liam MACKAY-REDDY, age 27 of Highland Grove, has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Failing to comply with a probation order – two counts

The accused were all held in custody with bail hearings scheduled before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on Friday, August 29, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Robert SIEBARTH Was Arrested #RepeatOffender

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested one person after a driver initially refused to pull over for a traffic stop.

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, shortly before 10:30 p.m., officers were on patrol on Quarry Road. They attempted to stop a side by side that had committed a Highway Traffic Act offense, but it sped off. After further investigation officers were able to locate the driver of the vehicle.

As a result, Robert SIEBARTH, 36, of Faraday Township has been charged with:

  • Flight from a peace officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Fail to comply with a release order

The accused was held for bail, was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on August 21, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Hospital Calls Police – Sarah JACIW Arrested

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police has charged one person following a complaint at the Quinte Health North Hastings Hospital.

On Sunday August 17, 2025, shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of an intoxicated person being belligerent at the hospital in Bancroft. When officers arrived, they observed damage that had been done to the building.

As a result, Sarah JACIW, age 27, was charged with mischief.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on October 7, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

2 Arrested Following Theft – FAIRHURST & FAIRHURST

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals following a shoplifting investigation at a local business.

On August 13, 2025, shortly after 1:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at a retail store on Hastings Street North in Bancroft. It was reported that a male suspect stole a cart of merchandise before leaving the store. The suspect allegedly returned a short time later and was confronted by store staff, at which point he fled into a wooded area behind the business.

Officers conducted an area search and later located and arrested two individuals in relation to the incident.

As a result of the investigation:

Wayne FAIRHURST, 50 years old, of Dysart et al., has been charged with:

  • Theft Under $5,000 – Shoplifting, contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

Ashley FAIRHURST, 37 years old, of Dysart et al., has been charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

Both accused were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on a future date.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

WARD Arrested For Theft

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a third individual in relation to an ongoing shoplifting investigation.

On August 14, 2025, officers arrested and charged Paul Christopher WARD, 46 years old, of Essex, Ontario, with:

  • Theft Under $5,000 – two counts – contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code

The charges relate to incidents at two separate businesses on Hastings Street North in Bancroft on August 13, 2025.

The accused was released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on a future date.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

2 Charged Following Theft – FAIRHURST & FAIRHURST

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals following a shoplifting investigation at a local business.

On August 13, 2025, shortly after 1:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at a retail store on Hastings Street North in Bancroft. It was reported that a male suspect stole a cart of merchandise before leaving the store. The suspect allegedly returned a short time later and was confronted by store staff, at which point he fled into a wooded area behind the business.

Officers conducted an area search and later located and arrested two individuals in relation to the incident.

As a result of the investigation:

Wayne FAIRHURST, 50 years old, of Dysart et al., has been charged with:

  • Theft Under $5,000 – Shoplifting, contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

Ashley FAIRHURST, 37 years old, of Dysart et al., has been charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

Both accused were released on undertakings and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on a future date.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jonathan DAVIS Was Arrested Again

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person following an incident at a meeting facility in the Town of Bancroft.

On August 11, 2025, shortly after 8:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of an unwanted person at a business on Bridge Street West. It was reported that a male attended a function, appeared intoxicated, was verbally aggressive toward staff and members, and repeatedly disrupted proceedings. Staff reported that the behaviour caused them to fear for their safety.

The investigation determined that the accused was bound by two active probation orders with conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

As a result, Jonathan DAVIS, 47 years old, of No Fixed Address in Bancroft, has been charged with:

  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts – contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jonathan DAVIS Was Arrested Again

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person following a disturbance involving multiple downtown businesses in the Town of Bancroft.

On August 9, 2025, shortly after 3:20 p.m., officers responded to reports of a male causing a disturbance at several locations on Hastings Street North and Station Street. It was reported that the male approached employees while in possession of a pickaxe, made inappropriate comments, and was confrontational with staff and members of the public. The male was also observed yelling at passing vehicles and pedestrians.

The accused was located a short time later and arrested. Investigation revealed he was bound by two probation order.

As a result, Jonathan DAVIS, 47 years old, of No Fixed Address in Bancroft, has been charged with:

  • Causing a Disturbance – contrary to section 175(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order – two counts – contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code

The accused was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on a future date.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jody WATSON Was Arrested Again

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two people after a traffic stop in the Town of Bancroft.

On August 10, 2025, just after 1:20 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle on Bridge Street East. During the stop, suspected crack cocaine was observed in plain view. Both occupants were arrested and a search of the vehicle led to the seizure of drugs, cash, a prohibited weapon, and items associated with drug trafficking.

As a result, Jody WATSON, 39, of Bancroft, and Thomas PARRELL, 42, of South Algonquin Township, were jointly charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada

WATSON is further charged with:

  • Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order

Both accused were held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jillian PRICE – Impaired Driving

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired driving-related offences following a traffic stop in Bancroft.

On Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers from the Bancroft OPP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 28 South. Officers located the vehicle and, after stopping it on Monck Street in Bancroft, made observations consistent with alcohol impairment and conducted an investigation.

Jillian PRICE, a 42-year-old resident of Bancroft, has been charged with the following:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle was impounded for seven days. PRICE was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on September 2, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Russell THOMAS – Impaired Operation

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a driver with impaired operation in the Municipality of Hastings Highlands.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, just after 11:00 p.m., Bancroft OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on South Baptiste Lake Road, Hastings Highlands. A vehicle was stopped during the program, one person was transported to the Central Hastings OPP Detachment for further testing.

Russell THOMAS, a 47-year-old resident of Toronto, has been charged with operation while impaired – drugs.

The accused’s license was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on September 2, 2025.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Jessica KETCHESON – Drunk Driving

(BANCROFT, ON) – Members of the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one person with impaired operation.

On Monday, July 28, 2025, just before 8:30 p.m., Bancroft OPP officers were conducting traffic patrol in the town of Bancroft. Officers conducted a traffic stop when they observed a vehicle driving in a suspicious manor. An approved screening device was used during the stop, as a result the driver was transported to the detachment for further testing.

Jessica KETCHESON, a 46-year-old resident of Kingston, has been charged with the following:

–      Operation while impaired – alcohol

–      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused’s licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on August 12, 2025.