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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Sean MACINNES – Impaired Driving

(ORILLIA, ON) – A traffic complaint being called in by a member of the public has led to impaired related charges laid by members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On July 23, 2025, just before 8:30 pm, officers from the Orillia OPP were dispatched to a traffic complaint after a member of the public observed a driver consuming what they believed to be alcohol in their vehicle parked at a local business on Coldwater Road, in the City of Orillia. The concerned citizen followed the suspect vehicle and provided updates to the police. Upon arriving at scene, officers located the suspect vehicle and entered an impaired operation investigation based on the driver’s behaviour. The driver was arrested and transported to the Orillia Detachment for further testing, assisted by an officer from Rama First Nations Police Service.

As a result of the investigation, Sean MACINNES, 52-year-old from Orillia, has been charged with the following:

–      Operation while impaired (CC), and

–      Operation while impaired – 80 plus (CC).

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 14 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

Human Trafficking – Jarett PHILLIPS Charged

(ORILLIA, ON) – A Windsor resident has been arrested and charged following a human trafficking investigation.

In May 2025, police received information about a victim being trafficked through online advertisements. Under the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Human Trafficking Unit began an investigation and identified an additional victim.

As a result of the investigation, on Wednesday July 16, 2025, IJFS members from the OPP, and members of the London Police Service’s Tactical Support Services, Hamilton Police Service, Kingston Police, Ottawa Police Service, Peel Regional Police, and Toronto Police Service arrested and charged Jarett PHILLIPS, 30 years old of Windsor, with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Communicate with anyone for the purpose of obtaining sexual services, section 286.1(1)

·      Procuring (recruit, hold, conceal, or harbour or exercise control, direction or influence), section 286.3(1) – three counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Monday, July 21, 2025.

This case highlights the importance of multi-jurisdictional collaboration in combatting human trafficking. The OPP and its partners remain committed to identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in human trafficking while supporting victims and survivors.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation is asked 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.

If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact your local police service or call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. Resources for victims and survivors are available through the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking at CanadianCentretoEndHumanTrafficking.ca.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Crown Corporation Employee Threatened – Erik ADLER Charged

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges in relation to threats made against an elected member of the Ontario government.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the OPP launched an investigation into threats made against Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. As a result of the investigation, Erik ADLER, age 40 of Burlington, was arrested and charged with two counts of uttering threats to cause death, under section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on Monday, August 11, 2025.

This investigation was led by the OPP Protective Services Section (PSS), with assistance from the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Burlington OPP and Halton Regional Police Service.

Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact the OPP through the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

About OPP Protective Services Section

As part of the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, PSS provides intelligence-led, risk-informed protection for government dignitaries in the province of Ontario. PSS is responsible for the protection of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier and members of the Executive Council.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

23 Year Old Arrested Following Social Media Post

(ORILLIA, ON) – Several traffic complaints were reported to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) after an individual posted several videos of dangerous driving behaviour on their social media account, resulting in numerous traffic and criminal charges by members of the Orillia Detachment of the OPP.

On July 15, 2025, around 9:30 pm, officers from Dufferin, Bracebridge, and Orillia OPP were dispatched to a traffic complaint after a member of the public reported observing several videos posted to social media showing dangerous driving behaviour, including improper tires, excessive speeds, and concerns for impairment. Officers from all detachments began patrolling the highways for the suspect vehicle. 

The vehicle was ultimately located on Highway 11 Northbound as it travelled through Severn Township, where officers observed the vehicle travelling at speeds of 150km per hour in a posted 90km per hour zone. The vehicle was ultimately stopped off the highway on Southwood Road in the Gravenhurst area by officers, the driver was arrested and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Myles CROWLEY, 23-year-old from Gravenhurst, has been charged with the following:

–       Operation while impaired (CC),

–       Operation while impaired – 80 plus (CC),

–       Dangerous operation (CC),

–       Perform stunt – excessive speed (HTA),

–       Improper muffler (HTA),

–       Improper tires (HTA),

–       Unnecessary noise (HTA),

–       Window obstructed (HTA),

–       Drive – hand held communication device (HTA), and

–       Drive 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 14 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

$2,000,000 Taken In Bank Robberies

(ORILLIA, ON) – Police have laid additional charges in a multi-jurisdictional bank robbery investigation named Project Opal.

Between Thursday, December 8, 2022, and Saturday, March 16, 2024, a series of eight armed bank robberies occurred in jurisdictions policed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Barrie Police Service, Belleville Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service and York Regional Police. While each police service initially investigated their respective incidents, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) assumed a coordinating role in August 2023 after investigators identified consistent patterns suggesting the involvement of a single group of suspects.

In each robbery, two or three individuals entered the bank shortly before closing. The suspects wore different disguises in each occurrence and brandished at least one handgun. In the last six robberies, bank employees were bound. Investigators have determined that the group of suspects is responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses across eight banks. The stolen funds have not yet been recovered.

On Friday, June 21, 2024, three suspects were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ontario, by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the OPP Aviation Unit, with support from West Nipissing OPP Crime Unit and CIB. A fourth suspect was arrested on Thursday, September 25, 2024, in Vaughan.

On Friday, June 27, 2025, the OPP charged Roderick NEWMAN, 33 years old of Coburg, with two counts of robbery with restricted or prohibited weapon contrary to section 344(1)(a) of the Criminal Code. These charges are in relation to robberies in Barrie and Newmarket.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The fifth suspect, Akeem WILLIAMS, 33 years old of Ajax, remains wanted. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to not approach him and instead contact police immediately.

Previous information, including the b-roll footage, project poster, video and photo of the wanted individual, is located in the Project Opal media kit (opp.ca/news).

This investigation included support from the Centre of Forensic Services and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

2kg Cocaine Bust

(Orillia, ON) – Officers from the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested two individuals in connection with a drug trafficking investigation and executed search warrants at a residence.

In May 2025, members of the Orillia Detachment CSCU launched an investigation into an individual suspected of trafficking drugs in Simcoe County. On June 26, 2025, officers from the Orillia CSCU and the Community Mobilization Unit arrested two individuals in Simcoe County and executed search warrants at the suspects’ residence.

Police seized the following items:    

  •  2250grams of Cocaine
  •  $17,500 Canadian Currency
  • 2023 Mercedes C53 AMG
  • Drug packaging materials
  • Cellular devices

As a result of the investigation Justine MOHAMMED (29) of Concord and DeAndre WRIGHT(24) of Etobicoke have both been charged with the following:

  • CC 354(1)(a) – Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
  • CDSA 5(2) – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

The first accused was held pending a bail hearing on June 26, 2025 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie and the second accused was released with a future court date.

The Orillia OPP is 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

Officer Brian SUKHRAM Arrested #FilmThePolice #FTP

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Toronto Police Service (TPS) member in relation to an on-duty incident.

On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, TPS Professional Standards Unit began an investigation into allegations of breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft involving a TPS officer. On Monday, January 27, 2025, TPS requested that the OPP assume responsibility for the investigation.

On Monday, June 23, 2025, as a result of the investigation, Brian SUKHRAM, age 38 of Brampton, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Breach of trust, section 122

·      Obstruct justice, section 139

·      Theft over $5,000, section 334(a)

·      Theft under $5,000, section 334(b) 

The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The ongoing investigation is being conducted under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch. Questions related to the employment status of the accused should be directed to TPS. Anyone with any information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Murder – 70 Year Old Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Police have charged an individual in a 34-year-old historic homicide in Apsley, north of Peterborough.

On Wednesday, October 9, 1991, members from the Belleville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a missing person, 40-year-old Angelien Josephine QUESNELLE of Apsley. She was last seen at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 1991, in Peterborough. Despite exhaustive search efforts, she was not located.

On Sunday, November 10, 1991, Angelien Quesnelle’s vehicle was found in an abandoned quarry in the area of Ridge Road and Highway 620, east of Coe Hill. An extensive search was conducted by the OPP and several items belonging to the victim were discovered nearby.

On Friday, November 15, 1991, a hunter discovered Angelien’s body on McCoy Bay Road. A postmortem was conducted in Toronto and Angelien’s death was deemed a homicide.

Over the years, police continued to investigate. On Thursday, June 19, 2025, police arrested and charged David Alexander SNOW, 70 years old of Bath, with first degree murder contrary to section 231 of the Criminal Code.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on August 12, 2025.

The investigation was conducted by the Peterborough County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). 

“Angelien QUESNELLE was murdered in 1991 and, for 34 years, her family has lived without answers. OPP investigators have never stopped searching for her killer, relentless in their pursuit of the truth. This arrest represents an important step toward providing Angelien’s family and the community of Apsley with the long-awaited answers they deserve.” 

– OPP Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford, CIB

If anyone has any new information regarding this investigation, call the Peterborough County OPP Crime Unit at 1-705-742-0401. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

7 Impaired Drivers Arrested In 72 Hours

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged seven (7) individuals with impaired related charges in 72 hour span over weekend.

Officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP work tirelessly to improve the safety of their community and ensure the roads are safe from preventable dangers. Through active patrols, a strong partnership with our community (resulting in numerous public generated traffic complaints) and continued efforts through strategic programs; The Orillia OPP laid twenty-one (21) impaired related charges over this past Father’s Day weekend. This is a staggering and concerning number of charges that took place at all hours throughout the day. Orillia OPP officers worked tirelessly and diligently to keep our streets safe, and their efforts are shown through these incidents.

As a result, Derek HUXLEY; 36-year-old, from Barrie, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Dangerous Operation

Rohit PARAJULI; 22-year-old, from North York, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration above 80
  • Fail to surrender Insurance card
  • Fail to carry permit in vehicle
  • Novice Driver – Blood alcohol concentration above zero

Christopher TINNEY; 48-year-old, from Orillia, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Blood alcohol concentration above zero

Ginelle HICKEY; 39-year-old, from Orillia, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired by alcohol
  • Operation while impaired – Blood alcohol concentration above 80

Scott PIKE; 54-year-old, from Barrie, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Blood alcohol concentration above 80

Justin BEAULIEU; 36-year-old, from Orillia, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

Jacob Puskas; 24-year-old, from Barrie, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

  • Failure to comply with a release order
  • Escape Lawful Custody
  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand
  • Drive motor vehicle no permit
  • Drive motor vehicle no licence
  • Operate motor vehicle without insurance
  • Drive motor vehicle no plates

All drivers charged with Impaired driving will have their drivers licence suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days. The Orillia OPP urges everyone to plan ahead and arrange for a safe ride home. Call a friend or call a cab. Remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

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 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

Shane DIXON – Break & Enter, Theft, Etc.

 (ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a local man in connection with a break and enter at a business in Orillia.

On June 13, 2025, shortly after 4:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a Colborne Street business. Officers arrived on scene within minutes but determined that the suspect(s) had fled prior to their arrival. Upon assessing the premises, staff confirmed that a quantity of cigarettes and cigars had been stolen.

Subsequent investigation, including review of video surveillance footage, provided officers with a description of the suspects. Patrols were conducted in the area, leading to the arrest of one individual found in possession of stolen cigars and cigarettes.

As a result, Shane DIXON, age 40, of Orillia, has been charged with:

·        Adult Break, Enter a place – commit indictable offence

·        Adult Theft

·        Adult Disguise with Intent

·        Adult Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada

The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on July 15, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia

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

James HAY Was Arrested After Docking Zone Incident

Orillia, ON – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual with impaired operation of a vessel following an incident in a restricted docking zone.

On June 9, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Orillia OPP officers responded to reports of a boat operator attempting to dock in a restricted area at the Old Cruises Fishing Dock. Witnesses provided officers with a description of the individual, who, during the docking attempt, severed the lines of a local fisherman.

Upon arrival, police conducted an impaired operation investigation. Based on interactions with the individual and witness statements, officers determined that the boat operator was under the influence of alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, James HAY, age 61, of Orillia, has been charged with:

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

The accused was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is set to appear on July 08, 2025, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Orillia

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

Scott ARNOLD Was Arrested

(CITY OF ORILLIA, ON)- Members of the Orillia OPP, responded to a multi-vehicle collision that has led to impaired and drug related charges near High Street in Orillia, Ontario late Saturday evening. 

On June 7, 2025, at 11:01 pm, Orillia OPP received a call regarding a multi-vehicle collision near High Street in the city of Orillia. The driver of the vehicles displayed signs of impairment and officers were led into an impaired driving investigation. Through the investigation officers confiscated drugs and alcohol.

As a result; Scott ARNOLD; 40 years old of Barrie, ON. was subsequently charged with:

 ·      Drive motor vehicle with open container of liquor

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Possession of Schedule 1 substance – Cocaine

·      Possession of Schedule 1 substance – Opioid

·      Possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking

·      Dangerous Operation

·      Possess more than one licence

·      Drive motor vehicle, no current validated permit

The accused is scheduled to appear before the courts on July 15th, 2025 and their drivers licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for 7 days.

 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

4 More Impaired Drivers Charged

(ORILLIA, ON) – Over the span of 14 hours, members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged four individuals with impaired related charges, through traffic complaints called in by members of the public, and through proactive traffic stops.

On June 5, 2025, just before 1:00 pm, officers of the Orillia OPP responded to a traffic complaint being called in by a member of the public on Line 14 North near Bass Lake Side Road East in Oro-Medonte Township. Upon arrival, officers entered into an impaired investigation due to the driver’s behaviour. The driver was arrested for Impaired Operation and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

As a result of the investigation, Alisha STEVENSON, 31-year-old from Oro-Medonte, was charged with the following:

–       Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs (CC), and

–       Dangerous Operation (CC)

On June 5, 2025, just before 10:30 pm, officers of the Orillia OPP responded to a traffic complaint being called in by a member of the public of a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 12 from Highway 11 in the City of Orillia. Officers located the vehicle quickly and entered into an impaired investigation. A demand for an Approved Screening Device (ASD) was read, to which the driver complied and provided a sample of their breath, resulting in a reading of ‘FAIL.’ The driver was placed under arrest and transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment where further testing was completed.

As a result of the investigation, Erik DRURY, 44-year-old from Coldwater, was charged with the following:

–       Operation while Impaired – 80 plus (CC),

–       Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor (LLCA)

On June 6, 2025, at 2:00 am, officers of the Orillia OPP were dispatched to a traffic complaint being called in by a member of the public. The complainant advised there was a suspicious vehicle idling and blocking their driveway on Highway 11 Southbound near Line 5, in Oro-Medonte Township. Officers located the suspect vehicle and entered into an impaired investigation. The driver was arrested for Impaired Operation and transported back to the Huronia West Detachment of the OPP for further testing by a DRE.

As a result of the investigation, Ismail ZOGASI, 28-year-old from Massachusetts, USA, has been charged with the following:

–       Operation while Impaired – Alcohol or Drugs (CC)

On June 6, 2025, at 2:10 am, an officer was conducting general patrol on Coldwater Road near Front Street in the City of Orillia when they observed a motor vehicle commit a Highway Traffic Act violation. The vehicle was followed, where the officer observed signs of impaired driving behaviour. A traffic stop was conducted, and the officer engaged in an impaired investigation. The driver was arrested and transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Cora LINDSAY, 32-year-old of Washago, was charged with the following:

–       Operation while Impaired – Alcohol or Drugs (CC),

–       Operation while Impaired – 80 Plus (CC), and

–       Red Light – Fail to Stop (HTA)

All parties were released from custody with a future court date at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia. Additionally, their licences have been suspended for 90 days, and their vehicles 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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Area OPP Huron OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

36 Arrested In Child Porn Bust – One From Hensall

(ORILLIA, ON) – Thirty-six people have been arrested and charged with a combined total of 128 criminal offences during a proactive child sexual exploitation investigation.

Twenty-one police services from the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet (Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategy) took part in the luring investigation from March 31 to April 11, 2025. Investigators utilized undercover techniques to access online chatrooms and social media applications in order to identify, locate and arrest persons looking to sexually exploit children.

Project highlights include:

  • All of the accused are male, with ages ranging from 18 to 73.
  • Although this was a luring investigation in which officers posed as children online and waited for offenders to make contact, nine real victims were identified. They have been provided support and are safe.
  • One of the accused arrived at the meeting location with snacks and one arrived with sexual paraphernalia (lubricant and condoms)
  • One of the arrested was listed on the National Sex Offender Registry.
  • 51 ongoing investigations remain.

A list of arrested persons, their municipality of residence and their respective charges is attached to this media release (see ADDENDUM – LURING PROJECT). Some of the accused cannot be identified due to a publication ban. Multimedia, including video, is available at opp.ca/news/#/mediakit.

The Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Strategypolice partners have noted a significant rise in reports of online child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material in recent years. To learn how to keep children safe, go to Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Anthony POTTER – Drunk Driving

(Orillia, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged a driver with impaired operation related charges.

On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m, officers from Orillia OPP were conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) on a RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) on Horseshoe Valley Road West in Oro-Medonte. While screening all drivers that enter the RIDE, police encountered one driver that provided a Fail on a Approved Screening Device (ASD).

As a result, Anthony POTTER, 62-years-old, from Tay TWP, ON has been charged with:

Operation while impaired-alcohol blood concentration (80 plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges at a later date in June 2025. As a result of these charges, his driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for a period of 7 days.

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.