Police Arrest Woman in $300,000 Fraud

On October 11, 2018 the West Nipissing Police Service received a complaint regarding money being stolen from a service provider here in Sturgeon Falls. Police learned that over a period of several months one of the complainant’s employee transferred large sums of money from the business account to her personal account. During her employment the woman, siphoned large sums of money on a regular basis up until the theft was discovered in October.
On October 31st the West Nipissing Police Service arrested a 40 year old Sturgeon Falls woman in connection to the complaint. The woman now faces 15 counts of fraud over $5000, one count of fraud under $5000 and one count of breach of trust. The perpetrated fraud is estimated to be in excess of $300,000. The woman is scheduled to appear in court on January 3rd 2019.

Police received two complaints of suspicious pills being found in Halloween collection bags in the last couple of days. The first complaint was received on October 31st while the second was received November 1st. In both instances the suspicious pill was found in a child’s collection bag of goodies and not wrapped or hidden in any particular piece of candy. Police don’t believe the pills are narcotics or controlled substances. Parents are encouraged to always check the candy that is collected to ensure every piece is safe and does not pose any risk to the child. Police are following up on these complaints.

On October 31st a Cache Bay resident contacted the West Nipissing Police Service to report a beak and enter at his cottage. Police learned that one cottage and two trailers and multiple outbuildings situated on Michel Road had been entered and that substantial damage had been caused. The culprit(s) disabled the security lighting, caused the damage, entered the structures and made off with various tools. The investigation is ongoing.

Police are investigating a theft from a local hardware store in Sturgeon Falls. The complainant contacted the police to report that upon reviewing some security video he observed that merchandise was removed from the premise without having been paid for. The items stolen are described as power drills valued at $193.00 each.

On November 1st the West Nipissing Police Service received a complaint from a local high school regarding weapons being displayed near the school. Police immediately responded to the complaint and learned that individuals in a motor vehicle had attended the school looking for a student. While stopped near the school, firearms were displayed by one of the vehicle occupants. Police conducted a high-risk vehicle stop several blocks away. Four individuals were taken into custody. While searching the vehicle police located a pellet rifle, an imitation handgun, several machetes and other edged weapons. One adult male is charged with possession of weapons dangerous to the public and one youth is charged with intimidation.

Anyone with information about these occurrences is asked to contact the West Nipissing Police Service at 705-753-1234. For those who wish to remain anonymous, there are three ways to contact the Near North Crime Stoppers. Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text the word “Nipper” plus the tip information to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.