Research to focus on Indigenous communities
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Investigation Coordination Unit has hired a researcher to examine human trafficking in northwest Ontario, with a specific focus on Indigenous persons.
As human trafficking victims are often from vulnerable populations and do not identify as victims to the police, the researcher will independently gather information while providing anonymity to victims who may wish to come forward.
Funded by the Solicitor General for Ontario, the OPP has hired Dr. Olsen Harper, a member of the Lac Seul First Nation, to identify the reality of human trafficking in northwest Ontario and its impact on Indigenous individuals and communities. The research will serve to support the OPP with responses to this kind of crime. The researcher will consult with northern Indigenous communities and organizations in urban centres to collect information from the public, police and survivors to identify sexually exploitative human trafficking. The increased knowledge will enhance training and coordination of resources to reduce this violent crime.
If you are a survivor of human trafficking, contact Dr. Olsen Harper at 249-385-7217 or aolsenharper@bell.net. For additional information on human trafficking, please visit canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca, canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca or call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-833-900-1010.
HANDGUNS
(FORT FRANCES, ON) – In September 2020, members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were made aware of a handgun in the possession of the member of the public. The handgun was seized at that time and the investigation continued.
A combined effort by the Rainy River District crime unit, Treaty Three Police Service and the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) charges have been laid regarding the purchase and possession of this illegal firearm.
A 49-year-old Fort Frances has been charged with: Unauthorized Importation of a Restricted Firearm; and Unauthorized Possession of a Restricted Firearm.
The accused will attend court on March 1 to answer to these charges.
The OPP is committed to safe communities….a secure Ontario. Please contact 911 for emergencies or call 1-888-310-1122 to make a report of a non-emergent nature.
DEATH INVESTIGATION
Human remains identified
(DRYDEN, ON) – Shortly after 6:00 pm on Thursday November 5, 2020 members of the Dryden detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a 911 call of a disturbance at a Railway Avenue residence in the town of Dinorwic, Ontario. Dryden EMS and police arrived to discover a male with life threatening injuries. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The deceased was identified as 75 year old Richard McLeod of Dinorwic. The OPP was treating this death as a homicide.
While at the scene of the homicide, officers responded to a residential fire on a neighboring property owned by Daniel Lethbridge. The Dinorwic Volunteer Fire Department were called to the second scene to assist. Human remains were located in the fire damaged residence. A Post Mortem examination was conducted in Toronto, which involved the Ontario Forensic Pathology Services (OFPS) – Forensic Anthropology and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario.
On February 3, 2021 the Office of the Chief Coroner positively identified the human remains as 48 year old Daniel Lethbridge.
OPP North West Crime Unit continue to investigate both incidents under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). Also assisting in this investigation are members from the Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management (OFMEM). There are no public safety concerns at this time.
TRAFFICKING
See photo
(FORT FRANCES, ON) – Shortly after 10:00 pm on February 5, 2021, members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) observed a male known to officers and was observed in violation of his release conditions.
Officers continued the investigation and as a result, a 36-year-old Fort Frances man was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking (fentanyl); Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine); Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000; and Failure to comply with release order.
The accused is currently in custody.
The OPP is committed to safe communities….a secure Ontario. Please contact 911 for emergencies or call 1-888-310-1122 to make a report of a non-emergent nature.
