Category: Essa

(ESSA, ON) – As a result of a lengthy police investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), have arrested and charged an individual in connection to a fraud investigation in Essa Township.

The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has concluded a fraud investigation that began on May 14, 2025, following a report from a local minor hockey league association regarding a substantial financial discrepancy.

The association’s executive team identified that approximately $77,299 was missing from its operational account. Through internal efforts, the association was able to recover $54,000 from a former board member. At this time, a thorough police investigation determined that the individual within the organization responsible for managing a portion of the association’s funds had committed fraud.

As a result, Julianna DININO, 33-years-old, of New Brunswick, has been arrested and charged with the following:

• Criminal Breach of Trust
• Fraud Over $5000

The accused has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 20, 2025.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

(ESSA, ON) – Officers from the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual following a suspicious persons call that led to the recovery of stolen property and multiple charges related to thefts from motor vehicles.

On October 27, 2025, shortly after 1:00 a.m., officers received a report from a resident on Brentwood Road in Essa Township regarding a female suspect observed attempting to enter parked vehicles. The complainant maintained visual contact with the suspect, who was described as a caucasian female wearing a hoodie, dark jacket, and long black pants with stripes, and riding a bicycle.

Officers quickly responded to the area and located the suspect near 53 Brentwood Road. Upon investigation, officers discovered the female in possession of multiple items, not belonging to her.

As a result of the investigation, Justine HALL 31-years-old, of no fixed address was arrested and charged with the following:

• Trespassing at Night
• Theft Under $5000
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
• Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court – Four Counts

The accused was arrested and transported to the Nottawasaga OPP detachment, where she was held for a bail hearing.

Police recovered several items such as a wallet and gift cards believed to be stolen and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the rightful owners. If you believe you may be a victim of the thefts or have information related to this investigation, please contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 reference report number (E251458413). Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at http://www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

(ESSA, ON) – Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual with impaired driving following a two-vehicle collision in Essa Township.

On October 18, 2025, shortly before 10:00 p.m., Nottawasaga OPP responded to an automatic crash notification on County Road 56 between 20 Sideroad and 25 Sideroad. Upon arrival, officers located two vehicles involved in the collision.

One vehicle was located in the ditch with moderate front-end damage. The second vehicle, was located upside down on the west side of the roadway. Investigations revealed that while travelling southbound, a northbound vehicle entered the opposite lane forcing the driver to swerve and leave the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. Both drivers were assessed by EMS as a precaution and reported no injuries.

Prior to the collision, officer had received a driving complaint regarding one of the vehicles, which was reportedly travelling at high speeds, drifting into oncoming lanes, braking erratically, and preventing other vehicles from merging.

During the interaction, grounds were formed that one of the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol, leading to the driver’s arrest.  

As a result of the investigation, Edwin SHAJI 23 of Barrie was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on November 20, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from impaired drivers. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1 to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.

For more information about the penalties of driving impaired, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

(ESSA, ON)- Members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged one individual with impaired driving following a traffic complaint in Essa Township.

Shortly after 8:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025, Nottawasaga OPP responded to a traffic complaint near 6802 County Road 10 in Essa Township. Witnesses reported that the driver was observed swerving and passing vehicles on the solid yellow line, while throwing beer cans out of the window prior to pulling into a gas station. Officers located the vehicle and spoke with the driver. Based on their observations, officers determined the driver was impaired and placed them under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, Matthew MCKELLAR 25-years-old of Brantford was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to attend the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford on September 18, 2025, to answer to the charge.

The OPP remains committed to ensuring Ontario roads are safe from impaired drivers. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers, you stay anonymous, and you never have to testify.