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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Heather OSBORNE – Drunk Driving

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol in the City of Orillia, when a traffic stop was conducted and led to impaired driving related offences.

On February 14, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP were conducting general patrol in the City of Orillia. After conducting a traffic stop police entered into an impaired driving investigation.

Multiple violations were noted and as a result, Heather OSBORNE; 42-year-old, from Barrie, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – 80 plus
  • Having care or control of vehicle with open container of liquor
  • Fail to surrender insurance card
  • Fail to produce permit
  • Fail to notify change of address

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

4 Arrested In Drug Bust

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachments Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid multiple drug and weapon related charges in an early morning search warrant execution in the City of Orillia.

On February 14, 2025, Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the Orillia Community Mobilization Unit (CMU) executed an early morning search warrant at a Fittons Road West address in the City of Orillia. Suspected drugs, cellular devices, and weapons were seized as part of the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

·        5.5 grams Fentanyl

·        8 Hydromorphone pills

·        600 ml Methadone

·        4 LSD Tablets

·        Traces of Crack Cocaine

·        Bear Spray

·        1x .40 Calibre Bullet

·        Drug trafficking related paraphernalia/packaging

·        A cellular device

Susanne BRADY, 56 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Hydromorphone

Katie WILLIAMS, 40 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession of Fentanyl

Ivy HENDERSON, 40 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Methadone

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Hydromorphone

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Zachayre LEACH, 36 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Methadone

·        Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·        Breach of Probation x3

·        Resist Arrest

The first three accused were released and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on a future date. The fourth accused was held for a bail hearing.

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Amber Dawn Johnston Was Arrested Again

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are currently investigating an arson at a residence on Barrie Rd in the City of Orillia.

On February 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 am the Orillia OPP responded to a call from the Orillia Fire Department (OFD) of a fire at a residence on Barrie Rd.

Once on scene police were advised by OFD that the fire had been started in the hallway outside a door deliberately. Through further investigation, specifically witness statements, police were able to confirm and identify a suspect.

At 1:27 pm, police located and arrested a female at an address on West St. N

Amber Dawn Johnston, age 28, of No fixed address was arrested and charged with:

  • Adult Arson – Disregard for Human Life
  • Adult Fail to Comply with Probation Order

 The accused was held for a bail hearing. No injuries were reported.

The Orillia OPP is committed to public safety and crime prevention. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Cohen BROWN Was Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – A traffic complaint by a member of the public has led to an impaired arrest by the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On February 1, 2025, just before 8:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint on Gloucester Road near Vasey Road in Severn Township, for a vehicle was stuck in a snowbank. The witness believed that the driver was showing signs of intoxication. Upon arriving at scene, officers located the driver in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and entered into an impaired operation investigation. The accused was arrested and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Cohen BROWN, 23-year-old from Sudbury, has been charged with the following:

·        Operation while Impaired (CC),

·        Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand (CC), and

·        Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor (LLCA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date. Their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Toriq TYME Was Arrested Again

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to thank two bystanders who assisted an officer with the arrest of a party in the City of Orillia.

On January 30, 2025, just after 11:30 am, officers of the Orillia OPP were dispatched to a Mischief call at a local restaurant. An officer located the suspect walking near Front Street and Queen Street in the City of Orillia. The officer attempted to conduct their investigation and detain the suspect. During this, an altercation occurred, and the suspect began assaulting the officer, including attempting to spit in their face. The officer noted that at this time, two civilians came to their aid, assisting with restraining the party until more officers arrived on scene.

As a result of the investigation, Toriq TYME, 26-year-old of No Fixed Address, was brought back to the Orillia OPP Detachment and the following charges were laid:

·        Causing a Disturbance,

·        Resist Peace Officer,

·        Assault Peace Officer,

·        Mischief x2, and

·        Fail to Comply with Probation Order x6

The accused was held in custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia for a bail hearing. The officer reported no injuries as a result of the altercation.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(ORILLIA, ON) – While conducting a theft and stolen property investigation, members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) made two arrests, resulting in the seizure of prohibited weapons and a large quantity of illicit drugs.

On January 202025, several items and tools, including an automotive scanner, were reported stolen from an address in Orillia. On January 27, 2025, just before 1:00 pm, Orillia OPP responded to a call from a witness reporting that someone was trying to sell them stolen property. The witness reported knowing the original victim of the theft and could confirm that the serial number of the automotive scanner for sale matched that of the one stolen. Subsequently, officers engaged in a criminal investigation.

Just after 4:00 pm, officers staged near by as the witness met with the parties selling the items, and arrests were made. During this, officers also located a quantity of drugs and several prohibited weapons, which were seized from the accused. The investigation continued once back at the Orillia Detachment, which included assistance from the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), as well as the Economic Crime & Corruption Unit (ECCU).

The following items were seized:

·      Over 45 grams of suspected Cocaine,

·      Over 100 grams of suspected Pink Fentanyl,

·      Over 40 tablets of Hydromorphone Tablets, and other various pills,

·      Functioning scales, cell phones, and other drug paraphernalia,

·      Numerous credit cards and identification documents, and

·      Over $1500 in Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, police have charged two parties.

Michael HART-PAYNE, 30-year-old of Orillia, has been charged with the following:

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x3

·      Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime

·      Possessing Counterfeit Money

·      Possession of a credit card

·      Possession of an Identity Document

·      Identity Theft

·      Fail to Comply with Probation Order x4

·      Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose x2

·      Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition x2

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x6

Michael CORRIVEAU, 30-year-old of Orillia, has been charged with the following:

·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x3

·      Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime

·      Possessing Counterfeit Money

·      Possession of a Credit Card

·      Possession of an Identity Document

·      Identity Theft

·      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x6

Both accused were held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia for a bail hearing.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Victim Bound With Rope And Put In Box Rescued – 4 Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are investigating an alleged kidnapping incident of a local Orillia man, four persons facing a variety of charges.

On January 12, 2025, just before 8:30 pm, officers of the Orillia OPP were dispatched to a Disturbance on the Rail Trail off James Street West in the City of Orillia. Witnesses reported hearing a voice yell for help. Upon arriving at scene, officers located the victim who had been placed into a plastic box, bound with rope, and had signs of being recently assaulted. Officers on scene provided first aid treatment until paramedics from Georgian Ambulance arrived on scene to assist. The victim was transported to a local hospital, and later to a Toronto area hospital for further medical treatment.

Members of the Orillia Detachment Major Crime Unit, as well as the Forensic Identification Services (IDENT) assisted with continuing the investigation. This included a Search Warrant being executed at a residence located on Moffat Street in the City of Orillia.

As a result of the investigation, four persons have been identified and are facing charges.

Ryan MARS, 38-year-old of Orillia has been charged with the following:

·      Aggravated Assault CC 268,

·      Kidnapping CC 279(1)(a),

·      Forcible Confinement CC 279(2),

·      Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm CC 264.1(1)(a),

·      Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose CC 88,

·      Attempt Obstruct Justice CC 139(1) and CC 139(2), and

·      Fail to Comply with Probation Order CC 733.1(1)

Ashley NEWMAN, 38-year-old of Orillia has been charged with the following:

·      Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm CC 264.1(1)(a),

·      Aggravated Assault CC 268,

·      Kidnapping CC 279(1)(a), and

·      Forcible Confinement CC 279(2)

Daniel BOONSTRA, 32-year-old of Orillia has been charged with the following:

·      Kidnapping CC 279(1)(a)

Bronson RITCHIE, 34-year-old of Orillia has been charged with the following:

·      Kidnapping CC 279(1)(a),

·      Failure to Comply with Release Order CC 145(5)(a), and

·      Fail to Comply with Probation Order CC 733.1(1)

All involved parties have been held in custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia for bail hearings.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Kyle MATTS Facing Numerous Charges

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid drug trafficking related charges and seized a quantity of illicit drugs, Crossbow and a firearm after executing a search warrant in Mactier Georgian Bay Township.

In November of 2024, Orillia CSCU began investigating an individual who was allegedly trafficking drugs and in possession of a firearm. With assistance from Muskoka CSCU police were able to utilize investigative techniques and confirm the information.

On January 15th, 2025, satisfied with the information gathered, the Orillia CSCU with assistance from Collingwood CSCU and the Orillia Community Mobilization unit executed a search warrant at a Young St. address in Mactier. One person was arrested and safely brought into police custody

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized

Glock 19x handgun (loaded)

9mm ammunition

.223 ammunition

Crossbows (3) and bolts

624 grams – Cocaine

220 grams – Cannabis Marihuana

32 tabs – LSD

$6250 Canadian Currency

Money Counter

Kyle MATTS, 35-year-old of Georgian Bay Township, has been held for a bail hearing and charged with:

CC 92(2) – possession of prohibited device and unauthorization possession of a weapon X2

CC 92(1) – Unauthorized possession of a firearm

CC 91(1) – Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm

CC 95(1) – Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose

CC 117.01(1) – Possession of firearm of ammunition contrary to Prohibition order X 10

CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – LSD

CA 10(2) – Possession of illicit Cannabis for the purpose of selling

CDSA 5(1) – Trafficking in a schedule 1 substance.

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drug & Weapons Bust

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid drug trafficking related charges and seized a quantity of illicit drugs and firearm after a takedown on Peter St.

In November of 2024, Orillia CSCU began investigating an individual for allegedly trafficking drugs in the City of Orillia. Utilizing investigative techniques police were able to observe consistent drug trafficking with this individual. On January 15th, 2025, satisfied with the information gathered and observations, the Orillia CSCU with assistance from Orillia OPP conducted a takedown of a motor vehicle. Three individuals were arrested and safely brought into police custody. Two OPP vehicles received minor damage during the stop.

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

Glock 19 Gen4 9mm handgun(loaded)

31 round loaded overcapacity magazine

492 grams of Fentanyl

93 grams of cocaine

200 Hydromorphone pills

Digital scales and packing

Cellular devices

Esrom KIBREAB, 19-year-old of North York, has been held for a bail hearing and charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Hydromorphone

CC 92(2) – Possession of prohibited device and unauthorized possession of a weapon X2

CC 92(1) – Unauthorized possession of a firearm

CC 92(1) – Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm

CC 95(1) – Possession of a loaded restricted firearm

CC 94 – Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm within

CC 88 – Possession of a firearm contrary to Prohibiton order

CC320.13(1) – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

Darryl MAXIMUK, 56-year-old of Orillia, was held for a bail hearing and charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Hydromorphone

CC 92(2) – Possession of prohibited device and unauthorized possession of a weapon X2

CC 92(1) – Unauthorized possession of a firearm

CC 92(1) – Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm

CC 95(1) – Possession of a loaded restricted firearm

CC 94 – Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm within

CC 88 – Possession of a firearm contrary to Prohibiton order

James MOUNTNEY, 62-years-old of No fixed Address, was held for a bail hearing and charged with:

CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Names Released

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid multiple drug and weapon related charges after a call for a disturbance was reported late in the evening of January 2nd, 2025.

On January 2, 2025, Orillia OPP were called to a residence within the city for a disturbance. Officers arrived and located two individuals attempting to leave the location. Both individuals were arrested after suspected drugs, weapons, drug paraphernalia and cellular devices were located with them.

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

·        34 grams Cocaine

·        21 grams Fentanyl

·        $2,265 Canadian currency

·        Digital scales and packaging

·        3 cellular devices

·        3 edged weapons

Susan BAZINET, 51 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000

·        Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

Jerrica SMITH, 26 years old, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000

·        Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

·        Obstruct Peace Officer

The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on January 3, 2025, to answer to the charges.

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Drunk Driver Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – A traffic complaint by a member of the public has led to an impaired arrest by the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On December 24, 2024, just after 11:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint on Highway 11 Southbound near Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia. The witness observed the vehicle strike a snowbank before getting stuck in a ditch on the highway. The accused was located by officers in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and showed signs of intoxication, leading officers into an impaired investigation. The accused was arrested and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Cassandra WORSTER, 19-year-old from Huntsville, has been charged with the following:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) (CC),

·      Novice driver – B.A.C above zero (HTA), and

·      Young driver – B.A.C above zero (HTA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date. Their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged three drivers over the course of one day during separate traffic investigations.

On December 20, 2024, just after 2:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway 400 in the Township of Oro-Medonte. Upon arrival, officers noticed signs of impairment from the driver. Due to the collision, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital for assessment and police accompanied the driver to conduct further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Sean LOUDON, 42, of Midland has been charged with:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) (CC), and

·      Careless driving (HTA)

The accused was released from the hospital with minor injuries and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date.

On December 20, 2024, just before 9:00 pm, an officer was conducting patrol on Colborne Street in the City of Orillia and observed a vehicle with no front licence plate. A traffic stop was conducted which led the officer into an impaired operation investigation. The driver was transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Derrick BERTUCCA, 35, of Barrie has been charged with:

·      Operation while Impaired (CC),

·      Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) (CC),

·      Drive motor vehicle, fail to display two plates (HTA),

·      Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit (HTA),

·      Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle (HTA), and

·      Fail to have insurance card (CAIA)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date.

On December 20, 2024, just before 10:00 pm, officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint from a concerned citizen reporting a possible impaired driver. Officers were able to locate the vehicle involved and conducted a traffic stop on Diana Drive in the City of Orillia. Speaking with the driver, officers noticed signs of impairment. The driver then refused to exit the motor vehicle and a brief struggle ensued between the driver and officers. The driver was transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Andrew ROMANIUK, 59, of Orillia, has been charged with the following:

·      Resist Peace Officer (CC), and

·      Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand (CC)

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date.

All three accused have had their driver’s licences suspended for 90 days, as well as a vehicle impoundment for 7 days.

Members of the Orillia OPP are committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Leon GRIFFITH Was Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals after an attempted traffic stop led to a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed through Orillia.  

On December 18, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Orillia OPP, were conducting general patrols when a traffic stop was conducted. Officers attempted to have the vehicle pull to the side of the road. The vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed. Officers were notified by the public of a suspicious person and vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle officers attempted to stop earlier in the day. Orillia OPP officers located the vehicle.

As a result, Leon GRIFFITH; 41-year-old, from Cannington, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Dangerous Operation
  • Flight from Peace Officer
  • Operate motor vehicle without insurance

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information that may be helpful, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Hospital Employees Charged – Details Released

(ORILLIA, ON) – Over the course of the past year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch – Health Fraud Investigation Unit (HFIU) has charged three former employees of Ontario hospitals following investigations into allegations of inappropriate access of electronic medical records related to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

In three unrelated incidents, the OPP became aware of complaints where employees had accessed personal health information of patients attending the hospital who were:

  •       not part of their circle of care;
  •       accessed more than was reasonably required to complete their duties; and/or
  •       accessed information after their role in the patient’s care was complete.

The incidents took place in hospitals located in western, eastern and northern Ontario.

Following the investigations, the OPP laid charges under the PHIPA.

Offences under PHIPA can carry a maximum penalty of $200,000 and up to one year in prison.

The OPP-HFIU investigates criminal and provincial offences involving the payment and delivery of health care services and products. If you suspect healthcare-related fraud or other offences, please call the Ministry of Health at 1-888-781-5556 or email at [email protected]. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Sheldon Lester SAUNDERS Facing Numerous Charges

(ORILLIA, ON) – Police have arrested an individual for human trafficking and child sexual abuse material offences.

The investigation, named Project Shrewsbury, began in August 2024, when members from Greater Sudbury Police and Kingston Police received information of a male recruiting and transporting two young females from their jurisdictions for the purpose of sex trafficking.

Due to the human trafficking element, the investigation was coordinated through the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) led Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS). Peel Regional Police became involved when it was identified that the offences against the females took place in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

On November 20, 2024, members of the OPP arrested 37-year-old Sheldon Lester SAUNDERS, of Scarborough, and have charged him with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Assault Causing Bodily Harm, as per section 267(c)
  • Advertising Sexual Services, as per section 286.4
  • Procuring under 18 years, as per section 286.3(2)
  • Material Benefit Resulting from Trafficking in Persons, as per section 279.02(2)
  • Material Benefit from Sexual Services Received from Person under 18 years, as per section 286.2(2)
  • Traffic in Persons under 18 years of age, as per section 279.011
  • Disobey Court Order, as per section 127
  • Makes, Prints or Publishes any Child Pornography, as per section 163.1(2)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, as per section 163.1(4)
  • Imports, Distributes or Sells any Child Pornography, as per section 163.1(3)
  • Assault, as per section 266

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear on December 16, 2024 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

The victims were taken to places of safety and provided support services. Police believe there may be additional victims and ask that anyone who has information come forward to their local police. A video related to the case is located here: https://youtu.be/Xr68ijQGQMg

Additional support was provided by the OPP Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad and IJFS members from Toronto Police Service, York Regional Police and Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac.

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has resources available for victims and survivors of human trafficking on their website at canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca. A national hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-833-900-1010.