Second suspect arrested/charges laid

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – The Rainy River District Detachment Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges against a second individual in connection to a mail theft investigation which started last month.

On January 22, 2024, shortly before 2 p.m., members from the Rainy River District Crime Unit have arrested and charged a 59-year old LaVallee man with: Possession of article stolen from mail; and Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on February 26, 2024.

The charges stem from a December 4, 2023 complaint by Canada Post officials, who notified the OPP of their suspicions that a contract cleaner was potentially stealing mail from the Fort Frances Post Office.

The Fort Frances OPP Crime Unit, working in conjunction with Canada Post’s Security Investigation Services, conducted an investigation into the theft. A search warrant was executed at a residence in LaVallee Township and on an associated vehicle. The OPP recovered a quantity of stolen property including gift cards, rebate coupons, and some parcels. At the time of the arrest, 60 victims had been identified, with more expected.

As a result of that initial investigation, a 56-year-old LaVallee woman was charged with: theft from mail sent by post; possession of article stolen from mail; theft over $5000; possession of property obtained by crime over $5000; and careless storage of a firearm.

Any person with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Anyone with questions regarding their postal services can contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797).