NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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NAIRN-HYMAN TOWNSHIP - On June 1, 2020, members from the Manitoulin Detachment (Espanola) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a theft from the Nairn Centre Esso. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop for the officers and was last observed fleeing north on a local road. Detachment officers with the assistance of the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Sudbury OPP, OPP Helicopter, OPP Canine, Emergency Response Team, the Anishnawbek Police Service (APS) and Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) were able to locate the assailants.
A large quantity of stolen property was recovered, valued at approximately $22,500:
• Vehicles recovered were valued at approximately $18,000,
• Machinery and tools recovered were valued at approximately $3,800,
• Miscellaneous items recovered were valued at approximately $700, and
• 45 cannabis plants were seized.
As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been arrested and charged:
Gaston Charles Gagnon, 31 years old of Barrie, Ont. has been charged with the following:
• Theft under $5,000 contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code (CC),
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC,
• Theft over $5,000 contrary to section 334(a) CC,
• Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000 - in Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC (two counts),
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle, contrary to Section 320.13(1) of the CC (two counts),
• Flight from peace officer, contrary to Section 320.17 CC (two counts),
• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code, contrary to section 320.18(1)(a) of the CC (two counts),
• Cultivate, propagate or harvest any cannabis plant at a place that is not their dwelling house, contrary to section 12(6)(a) of the Cannabis Act (CA), and
• Cultivate, propagate or harvest more than four cannabis plants contrary to section 12(4)(b) of the CA.
The accused was sent to Bail Court in Sudbury and remains in custody with a scheduled bail hearing on June 5, 2020.
Gaston Pierre Gagnon, 67 years old of Etobicoke, Ont. who was also wanted on a warrant from this jurisdiction has been charged with the following:
• Fail to attend court contrary to section 145(2)(a) of the CC,
• Cultivate, propagate or harvest any cannabis plant at a place that is not their dwelling house, contrary to section 12(6)(a) of the Cannabis Act (CA), and
• Cultivate, propagate or harvest more than four cannabis plants contrary to section 12(4)(b) of the CA.
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Aug. 10, 2020.
Brandy Shawanda, 25 years old of Whitefish Lake First Nation has been charged with the following:
• Failure to comply with Release Order - other than to attend court contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC,
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC, and
• Having liquor in open container in other than licenced premises, residence or private place contrary to section 31(2) of the Liquor Licence Act (LLA).
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Aug. 10, 2020.
Paul Belanger, 31 years old, of Sudbury has been charged with the following:
• Possession property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CC,
• Failure to comply with Release Order - other than to attend court contrary to section 145(5)(a) of the CC,
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order contrary to section 117.01(1) of the CC, and
• Driving while under suspension contrary to section 53(1) the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on Aug. 10, 2020.
The Manitoulin OPP is requesting that anyone who has had property stolen in the month of May in the Nairn area which has not yet been recovered, to come forward in an attempt to identify some of the involved property. Contact the Manitoulin OPP (1-888-310-1122).
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