(COLEMAN TOWNSHIP, ON) – The Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has arrested and charged four individuals, in the theft of copper hydro wires.
Between Thursday, May 1,2025, and Wednesday May 7,2025, individual(s) attended Silverfields Road in Coleman Township, cut down approximately 33 hydro poles and proceeded to steel the copper hydro wires from the poles. The theft occurred in a remote area along the road connecting the town of Cobalt and the Hound Chute Hydro Generating Station. The estimated value of the theft is approximately $100,000.00
As a result of a police investigation conducted by the Temiskaming OPP and the Temiskaming Crime Unit under the direction of the Regional Crime Unit, with the assistance of the Forensic Identification Services (FIS), the North East Emergency Response Team (ERT), and North East Regional Intelligence Analyst, four individuals have been arrested.
Jeffrey BELANGER, 39 years-of-age, of Hudson Township has been charged with
- Theft over $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000
- Theft under $5,000
- Mischief under $ 5,000
- Trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking
Lance LAFERRIERE, 42 years-of-age, of Thornloe, has been charged with
- Theft over $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000
- Theft under $5,000
- Mischief under $ 5,000
- Trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking
Patrick DENOMME, 34 years-of-age, of Temiskaming Shores, has been charged with
- Theft over $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000
- Trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking
James KIRKEY, 51 years-of-age, of Casey Township, has been charged with
- Theft over $5,000
- Mischief over $5,000
- Trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000
- Possession of stolen goods over $5,000 for the purpose of trafficking
All four accused were released and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date in 2025, in Haileybury.
Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. Reference # E250569535