Category: MANITOULIN

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MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Salvy TAGLIANINI – Fraud

(MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON) – A complex, multi-agency investigation led by the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Crime Unit has resulted in the arrest of one individual in connection with a major cyber financial fraud.

On October 28, 2024, the Manitoulin OPP received a report of a fraud involving the loss of a substantial sum of money. Due to the scope and complexity of the fraud, the investigation was conducted with support from several agencies including the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch (ARB), the Nipissing West OPP Crime Unit, the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Bahamas Liaison.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a person was arrested with assistance from the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and La Sûreté du Québec.

Salvy TAGLIANINI, 54-years-old from Saint-Placide, Quebec, was charged with:

  • Fraud over $5,000
  • Laundering Proceed of Crime

The accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court and was remanded into custody. The accused is scheduled to appear before court today, February 9, 2026.

Fraud can impose tremendous financial and emotional hardship on victims. The OPP is committed to thoroughly investigating all fraud-related offences, and the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch provides specialized support to cases involving significant or complex financial loss.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. For additional information about fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) website or call 1-888-495-8501.

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MANITOULIN OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Skylier BELL & Melissa RICHARD

(MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON) – Two people are facing drug related charges after a warrant was executed at a residence in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory.

In January 2026, the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) initiated an investigation after receiving information regarding suspected drug trafficking at a residence in Wikwemikong First Nation. On January 22, 2026, OPP CSCU executed a search warrant at the residence, with assistance from Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS), United Chief and Councils of Manitoulin Police Service Commission (UCCM) Canine, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and OPP Canine. Two people were arrested as a result.

Skylier BELL, 33-years-old of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

Melissa RICHARD, 32-years-old of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

Both accused appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice Bail Court and were remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear before court today, February 4, 2026.

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MANITOULIN

3 Impaired Drivers Arrested

(MANITOULIN DETACHMENT, ON) – On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the Manitoulin OPP arrested three drivers for impaired operation.

On April 13, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) occurrence, where the caller reported that an involved person had fled the scene in a vehicle. Shortly after, police located and stopped the vehicle in the Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI). Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, a 41-year-old from M’Chigeeng First Nation, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Assault – Spousal
  • Assault with a Weapon – Spousal

The accused is schedule to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on May 13, 2025.

A second arrest for impaired operation was made at approximately 1:00 p.m. Police received a traffic complaint for a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Baldwin Township. Officers located the vehicle on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation resulted in the driver being arrested for impaired operation.

The driver, Lorri MILLSAP, 57-years-old from Bonfield, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Driver motor vehicle, fail to display two plates

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 2025.

The Manitoulin OPP made a third arrest for impaired operation at approximately 4:30 p.m. Police received a traffic complaint reporting a possible impaired driver on Highway 17 in the Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. Police located the vehicle on Highway 17 and conducted a traffic stop. Police observed signs that the driver was impaired, and an arrest was made.

As a result, the driver, Warren BETTY, 60-years-old from Sault Ste. Marie, was charged with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on June 2, 2025.

The OPP wants to remind the public that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe while driving. If you suspect an impaired driver on our roads, waterways or trails, don’t hesitate to “MAKE THE CALL” and dial 911. Your phone call could save someone’s life.