NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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ESSA TWP – In July 2020, the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) commenced an investigation into counterfeit currency and identity fraud, which has led to arrests.
As a result of the investigation, on July 13, 2020, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Angus, Essa Township. Members of the Nottawasaga CSCU have arrested and charged two people with numerous offences.
April Rowley, 25 years of age, of Wasaga Beach, has been charged with:
- Identity Theft, contrary to s.402.2(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)- 29 counts;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to s.354(1)(a) CC;
- Possession of Counterfeit Money, contrary to s.450(b) CC;
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, contrary to s.92(2) CC- three counts;
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, contrary to s.86(1) CC- three counts;
- Unauthorized Possession of weapon, contrary to s.91(2) CC;
- Failure to comply with undertaking, contrary to s.145(4)(a) CC;
- Fail to attend court, contrary to s.145(2)(a) CC; and
- Theft Under $5,000- Shoplifting, Contrary to s.334(b) CC.
Cody Verechaka, 28 years of age, of Barrie, has been charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, contrary to s. 117.01(1) CC- three counts;
- Failure to comply with release order, contrary to s.145(5)(a) CC- two counts;
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, contrary to s.354(1)(a) CC;
- Identity Theft, contrary to s.402.2(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC)- 29 counts;
- Possession of Counterfeit Money, contrary to s.450(b) CC;
- Fail to comply with probation order, contrary to s.733.(1) CC;
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, contrary to s.86(1) CC- three counts;
- Unauthorized Possession of weapon, contrary to s.91(2) CC- three counts; and
- Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, contrary to s.92(2) CC- three counts.
Police have seized a shotgun, two revolvers, three conducted energy weapons, a large quantity of loose ammunition, assorted stolen government identification, personal documentation belonging to various victims, airsoft pistols, counterfeit United States currency, and a BB gun.
The accused are being held in custody pending bail hearings.
No further information will be released regarding this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
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