Category: Fort Frances

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the OPP North West Region Crime Unit have charged a Fort Frances resident following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Fort Frances and electronic devices were seized.

As a result of the investigation, Shane BECKETT, aged 53 of Fort Frances, was arrested and charged with two counts of luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication, contrary to the Criminal Code.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or online child exploitation is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.

A publication ban has been issued and as a result, the OPP will not be able to provide further information.

The safety and protection of children is a top priority for the OPP, and we remain committed to identifying and pursuing individuals who use technology to exploit them. Parents are encouraged to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with them about online safety. Parents can find resources at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

If you or someone you know has been impacted and requires victim support, please contact the Rainy River District Victim Services at rrdvsp.ca.

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Treaty Three Police Service have arrested and charged three individuals with drug related offences.

On February 3^rd, 2026, members of the Rainy River District OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the Kenora Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and Treaty Three Police Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant in Fort Frances. 

As a result of the search, Police seized a quantity of methamphetamine, Canadian currency, and evidence of drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs and cash seized is approximately $8,000.

As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old youth from Toronto has been charged under the Criminal Code with

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

–      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000.00

–      Obstruct peace officer

Melinda GRUMM, age 53 of Fort Frances has been charged with

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

Dana FOWLER, age 49 of Fort Frances has been charged with

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Treaty Three Police Service have arrested and charged a local resident with multiple offences.

On November 19, 2025, the Rainy River District OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with the assistance from the Kenora OPP CSCU, Kenora OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Treaty Three Police Street Crime Unit have once again taken drugs off the streets of Fort Frances. The approximate street value of all items seized is $174,000.

As a result of the investigation, Sylvia MCKINNON, age 59 of Fort Frances was charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Other Drugs 
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – A Fort Frances local has been arrested and charged with multiple drug trafficking charges and Criminal Code offences.

On Monday, November 10, 2025, The Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with the assistance of the Treaty Three Police Street Crime Unit completed an investigation into drug trafficking in the downtown core of Fort Frances. Police seized fentanyl, cocaine, hydromorphone, currency and other evidence of drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drug seizure is approximately $20,000.

As a result of the investigation, Jonathan JOURDAIN, age 36 of Fort Frances was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substances for the Purpose of Trafficking – Hydromorphone

·      Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

·      Fail to Comply with Probation

·      Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Two individuals are facing drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop in Fort Frances.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, at approximately 3:20 a.m., members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop after observing unusual driving behaviour. During the investigation, officers located 11 kilograms of suspected cocaine inside the vehicle. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $1,000,000. Following further investigation, the following charges were laid:

Gail MCRAE, age 59, of Winnipeg was charged with

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Candice YETMAN, age 37, of Winnipeg was charged with

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both accused were held for bail and will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Officers from the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals with Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code offences following a traffic stop.

On November 9, 2025, shortly before 3:00 a.m., members of the Fort Frances OPP conducted a traffic stop after a license plate inquiry came back registered to a suspended driver. Following further investigation into the incident, the following charges were laid:

Dennis MORRISON, age 37, of Couchiching First Nation was charged with

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

Adrianna COPENACE, age 27, of Fort Frances was charged with

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (other than heroin) – two counts
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other than to Attend Court – two counts

Both accused were held for bail and will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation and refusal to comply with demand.

On Friday October 24, 2025, members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the OPP conducted a traffic stop after witnessing suspicious driving behaviour. The driver refused several times to provide a breath sample and was arrested.

Further investigation into the incident it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired.

As a result, Jason LENGYEL, age 51, of Fort Frances has been charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the OPP responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle collision.  

Following an investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired.  

As a result, Lane BOOTH, age 20, of Fort Frances was arrested and charged with:

• Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
• Dangerous Operation

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.  

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Rainy River District Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged three individuals – including two youths – with aggravated assault.  

On Sunday September 28, 2025, members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the OPP responded to a report of an assault on one person by multiple individuals.

Following further investigation into the incident, the following charges were laid:

Harlyn TUESDAY, age 31, of Fort Frances was charged with

·      Aggravated assault

A 17-year-old from Fort Frances has been charged with

·      Aggravated assault

A 16-year-old from Fort Frances has been charged with

·      Aggravated assault

The individuals accused were released and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances at a later date.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to helping victims of crime. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of a crime, the OPP urges you to come forward or call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On September 23rd, three individuals were arrested for Controlled Drugs and Substances (CDSA) and Criminal Code (CC) offences.

At approximately 1:45 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by three individuals. During the stop, one passenger was found to have provided a false identity and was subsequently arrested for obstructing police. A further investigation and search of the vehicle revealed a backpack containing a substance suspected to be cocaine, along with various drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Andrew VANHEYST, 38, of Fort Frances, was charged with

·        Adult Resist Peace Officer – Sec.129(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs – Sec.4(1) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

Adrianna COPENACE, 27, of Couchiching First Nation, was charged with

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

Elizabeth BOSHKAYKIN, 27, of Seine River First Nation, was charged with

·        Adult Obstruct Peace Officer – Sec.129(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 – Sec.354(1)(a) CC

·        Adult Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine – Sec.5(2) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on November 3rd, 2025.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid additional charges in relation to a sexual assault investigation. 

The 73-year-old male from Fort Frances is now charged with six additional counts of sexual assault.

There is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, we urge you to come forward and call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Contact [email protected] for more information.

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Fort Frances Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual with impaired operation.

On September 12^th, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., members of the Fort Frances OPP were conducting school zone patrols when a motor vehicle approached from behind and honked its horn at an officer. Officers assumed that the driver of the vehicle was asking for assistance or wanted to flag down police. Officers conducted a traffic stop and approached the driver.

Through investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired. As a result, Dennis FISK, 57, of Fort Frances was arrested and charged with:

·       Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

·       Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.