Category: Police Press Releases

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Kaladar OPP Police Press Releases

Stephanie MARTIN & Troy BOLGER Arrested – Details Released

(KALADAR, ON) – Officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two people thanks to an alert citizen reporting a suspicious vehicle.

On March 12, 2024, shortly after 10:00 a.m., officers from the L&A County OPP received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked behind the Kaladar gas station at Highway 7 and County Road 41 with two people slumped over inside. Police attended to check on the welfare of the people and located the vehicle running with two people slumped over inside. Police spoke with the two people in the vehicle and observed drug paraphernalia and drugs in plain view. Police arrested and searched the two individuals and the vehicle. Police located several small containers of suspected fentanyl, one container of suspected oxycotin pills, several knifes, one being a prohibited butterfly knife, an airsoft handgun, and suspected fraudulent bank cards. The passenger of the vehicle was transported to hospital by Paramedic Services for a medical assessment and the driver was taken back to the police detachment for further testing.

As a result of this investigation, L&A County OPP has charged Stephanie MARTIN, age 45, of Pembroke, with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid – two counts
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Failure to comply with undertaking
  • Drive while under suspension

As a result of this investigation, L&A County OPP has charged Troy BOLGER, age 35, of Laurentian Valley Township, with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid – two counts
  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose – three counts
  • Possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose

Both accused was held for a bail hearing and later released. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on a later date.

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Dufferin OPP Police Press Releases

Michael CHAMBERS – Assault

(DUFFERIN, COUNTY) – Members from the Dufferin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have charged an individual involved in a fraud investigation.

On March 12, 2024, officers responded to the report of a fraud in progress at a financial institution on Broadway in the Town of Orangeville. Officers received information that a male was attempting to open a bank account with fraudulent identification. When the officers approached the suspect, he assaulted one of the officers and fled the scene. A foot pursuit ensued, and the male was arrested without incident.

Thankfully no one was injured.

As a result of the investigation, Michael CHAMBERS, 47-year-old from North York has been charged with:

·      Assault with intent to resist arrest

·      Obstruct Peace Officer

·      Cause or attempt to use a forged document – (six counts)

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OPP Police Press Releases Toronto

$629,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police-led Provincial Joint Forces Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) has laid 63 charges against nine accused following a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking investigation.

In October 2023, officers learned of individuals trafficking illicit drugs from the Greater Toronto Area to the City of London and various parts of Western Ontario. The investigation revealed that the individuals had also been trafficking illicit drugs to the Thunder Bay area.

On February 28, 2024, search warrants were executed at seven residences in Thunder Bay, London, Mississauga and Vaughan. PGNG seized the following items:

·      More than 3.2 kilograms of cocaine

·      More than 1.3 kilograms of powdered fentanyl

·      More than 135 grams of methamphetamine

·      Nearly 10 grams of MDMA ecstasy

·      More than 3,700 oxycodone tablets

·      More than 2,000 hydromorphone capsules

·      More than 8,000 hydromorphone (8mg) tablets

·      More than 35 alprazolam tablets

·      Nearly 80 acetaminophen and codeine tablets

·      Approximately 1500 millilitres of promethazine (liquid codeine)

·      Three loaded handguns

·      36 rounds of ammunition

·      Two magazines

·      Drug paraphernalia

·      Counterfeit currency

·      Three silver bars, 15 silver coins, and jewelry

·      One prohibited weapon (brass knuckles)

·      More than $210,000 in Canadian currency

The potential street value of the illicit drugs seized is approximately $629,000.

This investigation resulted in nine arrests and 63 charges laid under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Please refer to the Addendum of Charged Persons for additional information.

This investigation was supported by members of the:

·      Chatham Kent Police Service

·      London Police Service Emergency Response Unit

·      London Police Service Guns and Drugs Section

·      Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service

·      OPP Community Street Crime Unit, London

·      OPP Offender Transportation Unit

·      OPP Highway Traffic Enforcement

·      OPP Middlesex Detachment

·      OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau

·      OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit

·      OPP-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit

·      OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit

·      OPP Thunder Bay Detachment

·      Peel Regional Police Tactical Rescue Unit

·      Sarnia Police Service

·      St. Thomas Police Service

·      Thunder Bay Police Service Emergency Task Unit

·      Thunder Bay Police Service Guns and Gangs

Anyone with any information about the trafficking of illegal firearms and/or illicit drugs is urged to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Niagara OPP Police Press Releases

Police Close 3 Business and Confiscate $230,000 In Weed – “Government” Wasn’t Getting A Cut

(NIAGARA REGION, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) seized illicit cannabis and contraband tobacco products with a potential street value of more than $230,000, resulting in the closure of three illegal storefronts in the Niagara Region.

On March 7, 2024, PJFCET executed three search warrants in the City of Thorold, the City of Welland and the Town of Fort Erie, on storefronts that were not authorized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) to sell cannabis or cannabis products.

As a result of the search warrants, police seized approximately:

  • 91.5 kilograms of dried cannabis
  • 695 pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes
  • 720 grams of cannabis extract
  • 2,065 packages of cannabis edibles
  • 915 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape pens
  • two kilograms of hashish
  • 173,800 tobacco cigarettes
  • 420 tobacco cigars
  • cell phones, computers and other electronics
  • $4,700 in Canadian currency

Three people have been arrested and charged contrary to the CC, and the Cannabis Act (CA).

Nikola GARALEJIC, age 26, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

Anoop RARICHAN, age 28, of Thorold, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

David SAULT, age 38, of Burford, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in April 2024.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, was supported by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and the Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET).

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and ask to provide information to the PJFCET. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Bluewater OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision – One Deceased

(BLUEWATER, ON) – A two-vehicle collision involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck and trailer combination has claimed one life. 

Just before 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, members from Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Huron County Paramedic Services, and Bluewater Fire Department responded to a location on Bluewater Highway just north of Sararas Road in the Municipality of Bluewater after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a collision.

Upon arrival, emergency services located both heavily damaged vehicles and discovered that the driver of the passenger vehicle sustained fatal injury and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

Members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team attended the scene to assist with the collision investigation. Bluewater Highway was closed for several hours and has since been re-opened.

The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the collision is being investigated. 

The deceased driver was a 58-year-old Bluewater resident.

Any person with information regarding this collision should contact Huron County OPP at 519-482-1677 or 1-888-310-1122. 

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Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

One Dead During Violent Break & Enter – Suspects At Large

(HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON) – On March 13, 2024, at approximately 11:10 a.m., the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of animal cruelty at a Haldimand Road 20, Fisherville address.

The investigation determined that two unknown people attended the property between 3:00 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. that morning and caused damage to a fence to gain access to a closed animal pen.

Once inside, an emu was injured by an unknown means, causing death to the animal and the two unknown individuals fled the area.

Video surveillance is being reviewed in hopes to identify the persons responsible.

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is a criminal offence that carries a penalty of up to 5 years in jail upon conviction.

Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Haldimand OPP at 1-888-310-1122. 

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

$400,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – Two people have been arrested and charged for drug offences following a traffic stop on Highway 17.

On March 12, 2024, shortly after 11:00 a.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the North East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) conducted a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act violation on Highway 17 in Blind River.

Upon speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, police were able to detect an odour of cannabis, which led to the arrested of two people. A search of the vehicle was conducted and led to the seizure of approximately two kilograms of suspected Fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine and a large quantity of suspected hydromorphone and oxycodone pills. The estimated street value of drugs seized is approximately $400,000. Police also located approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency, a handgun, ammunition, and multiple cellphones.

As a result of the investigation, Issak KHOSHABA, 28-years-old, from Brampton has been charged with:

  •  Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – three counts
  • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  •  Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  •  Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Possession of weapon of dangerous purpose
  • Driver fail to surrender licence
  • Driver fail to give identification
  • Use other person’s licence
  • Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit
  • Fail to surrender insurance card
  • Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available
  • Fail to have insurance card
  • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
  • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
  • Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm or restricted weapon
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on March 28, 2024.

Adrian ARIAS, 52-years-old, from York has been charged with:

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – three counts
  • Unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
  • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Possession of weapon of dangerous purpose
  • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Breach of firearms regulation – transport firearm or restricted weapon
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on March 14, 2024.

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Howick OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision Claims 3 Lives – All From Huron County

(HOWICK TWP, ON) – A two-vehicle collision involving a passenger car and pickup truck has claimed the lives of all three occupants. 

Just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, members from Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Huron County Paramedic Services, and North Huron Fire Department responded to a location on Harriston Road just north of C Line Road in the Township of Howick after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a collision.

Upon arrival, emergency services located both heavily damaged vehicles and discovered that two vehicle occupants had sustained fatal injury and were pronounced deceased at the scene. A third occupant was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Members from the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management & Enforcement (TIME) Team attended the scene to assist with the collision investigation. Harriston Road was closed for several hours.

The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the collision is being investigated. 

The deceased drivers and passenger were all residents of Huron County.

“This is the second tragic collision in two days to occur on Huron County roadways. Our thoughts are with the families of those that lost their lives”, stated Constable Craig Soldan, Community Safety and Media Relations Officer with the Huron OPP.

Any person with information regarding this collision should contact Huron County OPP at 519-482-1677 or 1-888-310-1122. 

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OPP Orangeville Police Press Releases

3 Arrested Following Traffic Stop

(ORANGEVILLE, ON) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid multiple charges as a result of a traffic stop in the Town of Orangeville.

On March 12, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers while on general patrol were alerted of a traffic violation through the assistance of an

Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) device. The officers conducted a traffic stop on Broadway and were led into a criminal investigation.

As a result of the investigation three individuals were charged with multiple offences. The officers seized cash, cellphones, gloves, a balaclava, cannabis and alcohol.

Akeem MARTIN, 35-year-old male, from York, has been charged with:

·      Possession Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·      Driving while under suspension

·      Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

·      Use plate not authorized for vehicle

·      Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

Devon MIGNOTT, 33-year-old male, from Toronto, has been charged with:

·      Possession Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·      Obstruct Peace Officer

Lee MURRAY, 48-year-old male, from Mississauga has been charged with:

·      Possession Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·      Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

The accused individuals are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville at a future date in April 2024, to answer to the charges.

Members of the Dufferin 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 1-800-822-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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Halton Regional Police Police Press Releases

Frank Dubicki – Sexual Assault

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made an arrest and laid charges in relation to a sexual assault investigation involving a piano teacher in Burlington.

On March 11, 2024, Frank Dubicki (61) of Hamilton was arrested. He has been charged with the following offences:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Interference

Dubicki was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The offences took place at Long & McQuade in Burlington where the accused is employed. The victim in this investigation is a female youth who was learning piano at the studio. The accused was previously employed at the Ontario Conservatory of Music in Woodbridge, and The Music Stand school in Hamilton. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused to contact the HRPS Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

In order to protect the identity of the victim, police cannot provide further details surrounding the nature of this investigation.

Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated.  A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration.

There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault.  This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support.

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Halton Regional Police Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Richard Neil – Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

Region of Peel – As a result of a multijurisdictional joint forces investigation, investigators from Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, and Waterloo Regional Police, have charged a British Columbia man in a series of historical sexual assaults on children.

The investigation, known as Project Woodland, related to historical sexual assaults on children occurring from 1992 to 1995 in the involved services respective regions.     

On March 3, 2024, investigators arrested and charged Richard Neil, a 64-year-old man from British Columbia, with 20 criminal charges, including the following alleged offences:

  • Kidnapping
  • Uttering Death Threats
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Assault with a Weapon
  • Sexual Interference
  • Invitation to Sexual Touching
  • Administering Noxious Thing with Intent
  • Forcible Confinement

He was held for a bail hearing.

There is a publication ban in place to protect the identity of the victims, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Peel Regional Police, Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460. 

Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting PeelCrimeStoppers.ca.

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Chatham-Kent Police Press Releases

Chatham-Kent Police Daily News Release – March 14, 2024

Chatham-Kent Police

Chatham-Kent, Ontario: The Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to 160 calls for service in the last 24 hours. Five people were arrested and four were on outstanding warrants.

Man Arrested for Probation Violation Violations CK24011403

In October 2023, the man was arrested and charged with failing to comply with a probation order. He was released with conditions and a future court date. When the man failed to make an appearance in court a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

On March 13, 2024, at 3:02 p.m., police located and arrest the 58-year-old Wallaceburg man on Dundas Street in Wallaceburg. He was released with a future court date of April 8, 2024.

Man Arrested for Bail Violation CK24011414

At 3:51 p.m., police responded to Victoria Avenue to conduct a well-being check on a man reported to be unwell.

Officers arrived and located the man sleeping on the steps of a business. Officers confirmed the man was wanted on an outstanding warrant and arrested him.

The 54-year-old Chatham Kent man was released with a future court date of April 22, 2024. He currently faces the following charges: two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

Youth Arrested for Public Intoxication CK24011419

At 4:42 p.m., police responded to Thames Street in Chatham to conduct a well-being check on a young woman.

Officers located the woman intoxicated and unable to care for herself.

The 17-year-old Chatham woman was arrested and transported to police headquarters, where she was released to a family member.

Man Arrested on an Outstanding Warrant CK24011439

At 7:35 p.m., The Chatham Kent Police were advised the man was wanted on an outstanding warrant and was observed walking on Colborne Street in Chatham.

Officers attended in the area and located the man on Murray Street. The investigation revealed, the man was wanted on a warrant held by the Huron Ontario Provincial Police.

The 32-year-old Ontario was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was held until he was turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police.

Man Arrested for Failing to Attend Court CK24011455

At 10:04 p.m., police responded to a disturbance on Grand River Line in Dover Township.

Upon arrival officers locate the man and confirmed he was wanted on an outstanding warrant for failing to attend court.

The 60-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested and transported to police headquarters, where he was held pending a bail hearing. He is currently facing the following charges: assault causing bodily harm, threats, theft, possession of stolen property, failing to attend court and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – MENTON & IMPENS

A male and female have been arrested following a drug investigation in Oshawa.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, members of the East Division Community Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of King Street East and Farewell Street.  Quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cash were located and seized.  A male and female were taken into custody without incident.

Derek IMPENS, age 40 from Oshawa is charged with numerous offences including: Possession of a Schedule I Substance (cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Schedule I Substance (fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Schedule I Substance (methamphetamine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession Contrary to Order x3, and Fail to Comply with Probation Order x2.

Rachel MENTON, age 35 of No Fixed Address is charged with numerous offences including: Possession of a Schedule I Substance (cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Schedule I Substance (fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking, and Possession of a Schedule I Substance (methamphetamine) for the Purpose of Trafficking.

IMPENS was held for a bail hearing. MENTON was released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Peddle of the East Division Community Response Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 3734.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Pervert Alert – Garry FISHER Arrested For Child Pornography,

A male has been arrested for sexual assault and breaching his release order.

On Monday, January 1, 2024, the accused began to contact the victim while on a no contact order, and attempted to intimidate her into dropping the charges.  The victim came forward to police, who commenced a secondary investigation, after she detailed a sexual assault by the suspect. 

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, members of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch, with assistance from members of the Internet and Child Exploitation Unit and E-Crimes Unit attended a residential address in Lansdowne to execute a search warrant.  The suspect was located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. 

Numerous electronics were located and seized.

Investigators have concerns there may be more victims and are releasing a photo of the accused (attached).

Garry FISHER, age 60 from Lansdowne is charged with 23 offences including: Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference with Person Under 16, Luring a Person Under 16, Possession of Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography, Criminal Harassment, Make Indecent Telecommunications, Obstruct Justice, Uttering Threats x6, and Fail to Comply with Release Order x6.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Tourloukis of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1649.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

Repeat Offender Tajae REID Arrested For Human Trafficking

A male is in custody following a human trafficking investigation in Oshawa.

On Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 4:10 p.m., members of Central East Division responded to a check on well-being call in the area of Laval Drive and Stevenson Road, in Oshawa.  Officers located a female who advised she was left stranded by a male who had forced her to work in the sex trade.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, following an investigation by the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the area of Jarvis Street and Dundas Street in the city of Toronto.  The male suspect was located and taken into custody without incident.

Investigators have concerns there may be more victims and are releasing photos of the accused.

Tajae REID, age 23 from Toronto is charged with numerous offences including: Trafficking in Persons, Financial/Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, Procuring, Advertising Sexual Service, Disobey Court Order, Breach Probation and Possession of Cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone who has been victimized by the accused or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

A support network for survivors of human trafficking has been established in the Region of Durham.  These services can be accessed via www.stopht.com.

Victim Services of Durham Region is available for anyone who needs free, confidential support without judgment. Visit their website at www.victimservicesdurham.ca.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.