January 27, 2022 – On Saturday January 29th 2022 beginning at 10:00am EST a large convoy of passenger and commercial motor vehicles will be traveling from Cornwall, Ontario to Ottawa, Ontario. They will be travelling Northbound on Boundary Road, Westbound on Headline Road (County Road 44), and Northbound on Highway 138 and onto Highway 417. Several intersections will be closed or the traffic flow directed by the police. Motorists are being asked to avoid the following intersections:

• Cornwall Center Road and Highway 138

• Highway 138 and Headline Road (County Road 44)

• Boundary Road (County Road 19/20) and Headline Road (County Road 44)

• Boundary Road at South Branch Road

• Boundary Road and Highway 401

If motorists are planning to travel Northbound on Highway 138 between Cornwall and Highway 417 they should expect delays reaching their final destinations.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022 – The Ottawa Police Service and its partners are implementing a surge and contain strategy in Ottawa’s downtown neighbourhoods to further protect neighbourhoods, restore order and prevent unlawful activity.

In connection with ongoing demonstrations, Ottawa’s downtown residents and businesses continue to be severely impacted by unlawful acts, including harassment, mischief, hate crimes, and noise violations. We know that additional demonstrators are coming, and we are significantly increasing our policing resources to respond.

To prevent and reduce the impacts of demonstrators entering the downtown core, and to improve neighbourhood safety, the Ottawa Police Service is implementing the following measures – effective immediately

Major deployment of police officers in the downtown neighbourhoods: There will be approximately 150 additional uniformed and non-uniformed officers dedicated to only patrolling and addressing unlawful and threatening conduct in the most impacted neighbourhoods including: Centretown, Sandy Hill, Lowertown and the Byward Market. This includes working with City and NCR officials to prevent unlawful and unsafe use of public space by demonstrators.

Expand and harden perimeter of the demonstration red zone: The Ottawa Police Service and City of Ottawa will be utilizing concrete and heavy equipment barricades to create no-access roadways throughout the downtown core. The City of Ottawa will be releasing a map of impacted roads later today. Protestor vehicles will be directed to designated parking zones outside of the downtown core. Illegal parking by demonstrators will result in by-law enforcement, removal and impound. If necessary, interprovincial bridges, highway off ramps and/or roads will be closed.

Enforcement directives: The surge of police officers will result in enforcement to restore public safety. This includes increased investigation enforcement and charges for all criminal acts related hate, harassment, assaults (including spitting), intimidation, and mischief.

Enhanced intelligence operations and investigations: National, provincial and local intelligence agencies have increased efforts to identify and target protestors who are funding/supporting/enabling unlawful and harmful activity by protestors. Investigative evidence-gathering teams are collecting financial, digital, vehicle registration, driver identification, insurance status, and other related evidence that will be used in criminal prosecutions. Every unlawful act, including traffic violations, will be fully pursued regardless of origin.

The primary focus of each of these measures will be on the unlawful behaviour connected to the ongoing demonstrations (including parallel and counter demonstrations). 

We strongly urge all demonstrators and those engaging with demonstrators to act lawfully, peacefully and respectfully.

The hatred, violence, and illegal acts that Ottawa residents and businesses have endured over the last week is unacceptable in any circumstance. The Ottawa Police Service and the City of Ottawa are bringing significantly greater resources to restore order, hold offenders to account and protect our neighbourhoods. 

The current occupation of the Parliamentary Precinct remains unresolved despite significant success in reducing the number of trucks/demonstrators while preventing riots, injuries and death. We take no solace in these operational successes. The demonstrators in this red zone area remain highly organized, well-funded, and extremely committed to resisting efforts to end the demonstration safely. This remains a very volatile and very dangerous demonstration.

The Ottawa Police Service continues to work with the national security agencies, the RCMP, the OPP and other police agencies. We are also working with all three levels of government, to affect a safe, timely and lawful end to this unlawful and unacceptably dangerous demonstration.

Public safety remains paramount as does our commitment to work with all levels of government and all parts of civil society to bring this demonstration to an end.

FEBRUARY 5, 2022 – The Ottawa Police Service and its partners continue to implement a surge and contain strategy focused on preventing and reducing the impacts of demonstrators entering the downtown core, and improving neighbourhood safety. 

We continue to advise demonstrators not to enter Ottawa, and to go home. 

Enforcement and Charges Laid

• Police have responded to 400 calls for service in relation to the demonstration since they began.
• In total, over 50 criminal offences are being investigated- 11 of those were hate crimes which resulted in charges against four people.
• Seven people have been arrested and 70 traffic violation tickets have been issued so far.

Perimeter and Traffic Control

• An estimated 500 heavy vehicles associated with the demonstration are in the red zone.
• Throughout the day, Ottawa Police and our partners are sporadically closing 417 exits in the downtown area, including:
  • Nicholas / Mann (Westbound & Eastbound)
  • Metcalfe (Westbound & Eastbound)
  • Bronson (Westbound)
  • Parkdale (Westbound & Eastbound)
  • Island Park (Westbound)
  • Kent (Eastbound)
  • Vanier (Eastbound)
  • St. Laurent (Eastbound)
  • Pinecrest Road (Eastbound)
  • Montreal Road (Eastbound & Westbound)
  • Woodroffe Avenue (Eastbound & Westbound)
  • Aviation Parkway (Westbound)
  • Walkley Road (Westbound)
• Concrete barriers and heavy equipment barricades remain in place throughout Centretown, Lowertown, ByWard Market, Sandy Hill and the Glebe.

Intelligence and Investigations

• Intelligence and evidence gathering teams continue to collect financial, digital, vehicle registration, driver identification, insurance status, and other related evidence that will be used in criminal prosecutions.
• The Ottawa Police Service is actively working with U.S. authorities to investigate email-based threats to public officials.
• The Hate related Hotline has received over 150 calls, and detectives are ensuring every report is investigated.

Operations

• All available Ottawa Police Service officers remain on active duty, with a focus on patrolling and addressing unlawful and threatening conduct in: Centretown, Sandy Hill, Lowertown and the ByWard Market.
• An additional 257 RCMP officers are being sworn in with Special Constable Status in order to further assist with demonstration enforcement.

We encourage all residents who have witnessed or been the victim of unlawful behaviour to please contact the Ottawa Police at (613) 236-1222 ext 7300, or ext 5015 for hate related crimes. Reports may also be submitted online at www.ottawapolice.ca. 

The Ottawa Police Service will continue to provide updates as they become available. 

FEBRUARY 7, 2022 – The Ottawa Police Service has made multiple arrests in relation to several enforcement actions related to the ongoing demonstration. 

On Sunday:

• Two people were arrested on Coventry Rd. for mischief
• Multiple vehicles and fuel have been seized.
• Officers arrested three individuals at Metcalf and Slater for mischief. The investigation is ongoing and updates will follow.
• Two more people were arrested this morning. One person was charged for driving while prohibited and the other for mischief relating to property damage of a downtown business.
• The OPS issued a warning earlier today advising the public that anyone found bringing fuel to the demonstration trucks in red zone could be subject to arrest and charges. This is effective immediately.
• Confederation Park has been fully cleared and fenced.
• More than 100 Highway Traffic Act and other Provincial Offence Notices were issued including excessive honking, driving the wrong way, defective muffler, no seat belt, alcohol readily available and having the improper class of driving licence. 

Further updates and charges will follow tomorrow. 

There are over 60 criminal investigations so far related to the demonstration. They are primarily for mischief, thefts, hate crimes and property damage. 

To date, the Ottawa Police Service has received 100 Ontario Provincial Police officers to assist with Ottawa demonstrations. We thank them and our other policing partners for their continued support. 

FEBRUARY 09, 2022 – DOMESTIC-Charge laid(SOUTH DUNDAS, ON) – On February 2, 2022 shortly after 5:30 p.m., Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, investigated a domestic assault incident in the South Dundas Township. 

Investigation determine that the male had struck his former companion while travelling in a motor vehicle. The female victim exited the vehicle and the male left the location. The motor vehicle was intercepted on highway 401 westbound by the SD&G officers shortly thereafter.

The female received non-life threatening injuries.    

 A 38-year-old male accused of Edwardsburgh Township, Ontario was arrested and is charged with;

– Assault with a Weapon – Spousal CC 267(a)

The name of the accused is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The male accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on March 22, 2022.

DOMESTIC-Charges laid

(SOUTH STORMONT, ON) – On February 6, 2022 shortly after 9:00 p.m., Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, investigated a domestic incident in the South Stormont Township. 

Investigation determine that the male attended his common law partner’s residence and during a dispute he assaulted her with an object. The male left the residence in a motor vehicle and was subsequently located and arrested. Investigation also revealed other offences.    

The female received non-life threatening injuries.    

 A 51-year-old male accused of South Dundas, Ontario was arrested and is charged with;

– Assault – Spousal CC 266 – two counts

– Assault with a Weapon – Spousal CC 267(a)

 -Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend CC 145(5) (a) court, five counts

– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs CC 320.14(1) (a)

– Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) CC 320.14(1) (b)

– Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available CCA2017 12(1)

– Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available LLCA 42(1) (b)

The name of the accused is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The male was held in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on February 11, 2022.

DOMESTIC-Charges laid

(SOUTH STORMONT, ON) – On February 7, 2022 shortly after 3:30 p.m., Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, investigated a domestic incident in the South Stormont Township. 

Investigation determine that the male assaulted his former common law partner at the matrimonial home. Investigation also revealed other historical offences.    

The female received non-life threatening injuries.    

 A 41-year-old male accused of South Stormont, Ontario was arrested and is charged with;

– Assault – Spousal- CC 266 – two counts

– Assault with a Weapon – Spousal CC 267(a)

The name of the accused is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The male was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on March 22, 2022.

IMPAIRED DRIVER

(NORTH GLENGARRY, ON) On February 4, 2022, shortly before 6:30 p.m., Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received information of a suspicious motor vehicle parked in a driveway and that the driver was unresponsive.       

Further Investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Dale Van Der Burg, aged 30, of North Glengarry, Ontario was arrested and charged with;

-Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs – Criminal Code (CC) – sec.320.14 (1) (a)

-Operation while impaired -CC- over 80 sec.320.14 (1) (b)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Alexandria on April 6, 2022.

IMPAIRED DRIVER

(SOUTH DUNDAS, ON) On February 5, 2022, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on county road 8 South Dundas Township,the driver was uninjured.

Further Investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Marc Lalonde, aged 39, of North Dundas, Ontario was arrested and charged with;

-Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs – Criminal Code (CC) – sec.320.14 (1) (a)

-Operation while impaired -CC- over 80 sec.320.14 (1) (b)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on April 5, 2022.

IMPAIRED DRIVER

(SOUTH DUNDAS, ON) On February 6, 2022, shortly before 5:00 p.m., Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Irena road South Dundas Township, the driver was uninjured.

Further Investigation revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Ewan Home, aged 19, of South Dundas, Ontario was arrested and charged with;

-Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs – Criminal Code (CC) – sec.320.14 (1) (a)

-Operation while impaired -CC- over 80 sec.320.14 (1) (b)

-Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero HTA (Highway traffic act) 44.1(3)

-Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver HTA (Highway traffic act) O Reg 340/94 5(1)

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on April 5, 2022.

While the OPP and its traffic safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads. Drivers can significantly contribute to safe roads by avoiding risks by choosing not to consume alcohol or drugs when operating a motor vehicle.

OPP are reminding the public that a 90 day automatic drivers licence suspension and a seven day impoundment of your vehicle accompanies any impaired driving charge.

The SD&G OPP remains committed to reducing impaired driving. Your help is requested in assisting with keeping our roads safe. If you suspect a driver is impaired call 911. You could be responsible for saving a life.

If you plan on consuming alcohol or drugs, make a plan for afterwards. Call a friend, a taxi or stay the night, don’t take the risk!!

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 – Cornwall area lawyer Maurice Gatien has been working for a few generations now, but until Covid he’s never seen anger in his face to the point that he was assaulted in his office Tuesday February 8th which resulted in a trip to CCH via ambulance.

His assailant was wearing a mask….and hoodie. The lawyer was clubbed and hit his head while falling which resulted in his being knocked out. One of the last thing he recalled was his assailant calling him an old (XXXX XXXX) and to get vaccinated.

The Cornwall Police are refusing to speak with this newspaper, again sadly, as we tried to get some basic info. Nor have they issued a release.

We were able to speak to Mr. Gatien who confirmed the assault and gave us a quote for publication.

Being assaulted having to go to the hospital in an ambulance is an unsettling experience. I wish to thank the EMTs and the hospital staff who looked after me – that was the positive side of a negative experience. The CT scan came back clear and I don’t have any brain injury, luckily. Lawyers with brain injuries are not as highly valued – though some people think we all have them. Lawyers are an important element in dealing with the friction points in society – we need to be allowed to do our work.

Maurice Gatien

Mr. Gatien has been involved with a group called the Eastern Ontario Health Alliance which has been painted as an Anti Vax group. In November Mr. Gatien was Doxed by another Cornwall area lawyer which led to an attack on his rural area home as well as other abuse and vandalism.

Violence of any sort of course should not be tolerated by any position regarding the World Wide pandemic that has killed over 35,000 Canadians.

Mr. Gatien is going to walk to Ottawa to create more awareness with his 100K Old Man Walking tour to Ottawa that starts today and ends Sunday with a grueling 40K per day schedule. LINK

He stated about the trek:

This trek is not about anger and it’s not about who’s necessarily right and who’s necessarily wrong. It’s about respect and being kind to each other – a much better foundational value for society than intimidation. I invite people to join me – for any distance, short or long – and to bring a bell with them, The sound of bells is an uplifting one – and that’s the message I want to deliver.

Maurice Gatien

jamie@cornwallfreenews.com

March 1, 2022 – The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of his breach of Statutory Release.

Mark BELANGER is described as an Indigenous male, 51 years of age, 6′ (183 cm), 215 lbs (98kgs) with black hair and brown eyes.

He is currently serving a four (4) year and nine (9) month sentence for: Aggravated Assault.

The offender is known to frequent areas in Greater Toronto and Ottawa.

Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE) or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or call 9-1-1.

ASSAULT/RESIST ARREST, UTTER THREATS, MISCHIEF

 Cornwall, ON – Robert Cadieux, 55, of Cornwall was arrested on May 9th, 2022, and charged with assault with intent to resist arrest, uttering threats, and mischief under $5000. While police were present on an unrelated matter, it is alleged that on May 9th, 2022, the man began threatening police and struck a CPS member, damaging their sunglasses. During the investigation, he was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 14th, 2022.

 WARRANTS

 Cornwall, ON – Korbin Billard, 32, of Cornwall was arrested on May 9th, 2022 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that on April 14th, 2022, the man was to attend court for a fraud offence and did not attend. It is also alleged the man was scheduled to attend for fingerprints on April 20th, 2022, and did not attend. On May 9th, 2022, he was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and released to appear in court on June 14th, 2022.

 BREACH OF RELEASE ORDER

 Cornwall, ON – Eric Wilson, 43, of Cornwall was arrested on May 9th, 2022, and charged with failing to comply with a release order. It is alleged the man was bound by a condition to sign in with Cornwall Police Service and failed to do so. During the investigation, he was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on July 26th, 2022.

 WARRANTS, DRIVE WHILE PROHIBITED

 Cornwall, ON – Karina David, 31, of Hogansburg, NY was arrested on May 10th, 2022, for driving while prohibited and on an outstanding warrant. It is alleged the woman attended the Port of Entry on May 9th, 2022 and was observed operating a motor vehicle, despite being prohibited from doing so. She was later located and also taken into custody on the strength of a warrant for breaching her probation. The warrant was executed and she was held for a bail hearing.

 BREACH

 Cornwall, ON – A 28 year-old Orleans male was arrested on May 10th, 2022, and charged with breaching a release order. It is alleged that earlier this month, the accused contacted his ex-girlfriend while being bound by conditions not to communicate with this person. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued.  On May 10th, 2022, the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear on court on June 9th, 2022. The identity of the accused was not released as it may identify the victim in this matter.

 WARRANTS, BREACH, POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING

 Cornwall, ON – Christina Smoke, 48, of Cornwall was arrested on May 11th, 2022, on the strength of a warrant for failing to attend court and breaching her undertaking. She was also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and breach of undertaking. On October 19th, 2021, the woman failed to attend court and a warrant was issued for her arrest. It is also alleged that on March 22nd, 2022, the woman was outside of her residence, despite the conditions of her undertaking to abide by a curfew and a second warrant was issued for her arrest. On May 11th, 2022, the woman was taken into custody on the strength of the warrants, at which time she was found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine. She was charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

 CALLS FOR SERVICE

 There were 118 calls for service in the City of Cornwall since Monday at 8:00 am (8:00 am Monday to 8:00 am today). To see what’s happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map.

MAY 27, 2022 –  The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two individuals following a fraud investigation.

On May 25, 2022 an officer received a fraud complaint from a local residence. A presumed bailiff had contacted the victim and claimed that a relative was involved in a motor vehicle collision with injuries and needed money for court. The scammer acting as a bailiff, directed the victim to withdraw money and made arrangements to collect payment at the victim’s residence. Officers were able to intercept and arrest the individuals. 

Jason GOULET-FERNANDEZ, 22 years old, of Montreal, Quebec, faces the following charges under the Criminal Code (CC);

– Fraud over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1) (a)

– Personating Public Officer CC 130(1) (a)

– Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence CC 465(1) (c)

Danielle JIMENEZ-GOLEZ, 19 years old, of Montreal, Quebec also faces the following charges under the Criminal Code (CC);

– Fraud over $5,000, contrary to CC section 380(1) (a)

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose CC 88

– Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence CC 465(1) (c)

The accused persons are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall at future date.

The SD&G OPP are hoping to identify other victims in relation to this investigation. If this fraud sounds familiar to you or if you have been a victim and have not yet reported it please call 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stopper at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can also report the information to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

August 19, 2022 – Sundeep Singh appeared in an Ottawa court before Justice Mitchell Hoffman at a pre-trial appearance this afternoon.  The Defense submitted a plea and it included the resignation of Singh from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS).  

The former constable was suspended from duty on February 12, 2021 when OPS was made aware of a sexual assault complaint made to the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU). He was charged by SIU on October 5^th 2021 with Sexual assault and Breach of trust.

Singh resigned today and his resignation was accepted and immediately processed. 

The provisions of the Police Services Act (PSA) require a hearing process and this prevented the immediate termination of his employment. It was the intention of the OPS to pursue disciplinary charges with a PSA hearing to terminate his employment. 

October 6, 2022 –  Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in eastern Ontario have been actively investigating damage caused to cell towers across the region.

The OPP is asking anyone that observes something suspicious at or near a cell tower to contact police immediately.

Anyone with information relating to these occurrences is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. 

• Conduct Proceeding – September 29, 2022 Maurice Henri Gatien (the respondent), was found to have engaged in professional misconduct on the following established allegation: 1) Contrary to s. 49.3(2) of the Law Society Act and Rule 7.1-1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, from January 2022 and continuing until the present time, the respondent has failed to co-operate with a Law Society investigation by failing to promptly and completely produce information and documents requested of him, including his books and records as required under s. 18 of By-Law 9.
• On September 29, 2022, the Law Society Tribunal – Hearing Division ordered that: 1. The respondent’s licence to practise law shall be suspended immediately and continue indefinitely until, to the satisfaction of the Law Society’s Executive Director, Professional Regulation, or his designate, the respondent has provided a complete response to the Law Society’s requests made by email on January 13, 2022, April 21, 2022, May 5, 2022 and May 20, 2022.
• 2. The respondent’s licence shall be suspended for a period of one month, to follow immediately upon the latter of: a. the end of the suspension ordered at paragraph 1, above; and b. the end of all current or already pending suspensions of the respondent’s licence under Part II of the Law Society Act.
• 3. The respondent shall comply fully with the terms of the Law Society’s Guidelines for Lawyers Who Are Suspended or Who Have Given an Undertaking Not to Practise while suspended pursuant to this order. 4. The respondent shall pay costs to the Law Society in the amount of $1,500 on or before the deadline of September 29, 2023. This deadline may be extended by the Law Society in accordance with the By-Laws. Interest shall accrue on any overdue part of those costs at a rate of 3% per year.

October 27, 2022 – So I went to the Permit Me meeting at Echo Trends in Cornwall last night. It’s a small group who are upset at permit abuse by the City of Cornwall Ontario. Essentially the city abusively enforces Building Codes which leads to heavy cost and time burden to those who are not in their chosen circle.

The permit team at City Hall is also a hot mess. Most of the staff with talent have left and the young uns tend to “do what they’re told.”

This has led to people like Aaron Bell of Rothmar hiring PR firms, and suing the city as well as Wyatt Walsh who has built a triplex that he can’t finish filing a suit.

At the meetings the horror stories were repeated. Permits granted and pulled. Threats made that if you didn’t do exactly what they said they’d drown your project. Threats of forcing multiple engineering reports that add huge costs and time burdens.

Frankly it’s not new. That the meeting took place in the former Truffles burger bar was not an irony lost on this writer. The former owners of Truffles had stated that they were told that if they didn’t drop their ad from this newspaper they wouldn’t get their patio permit. The Port theatre were told that if they didn’t pull their ad on CFN (which we freaking donated to help as yours truly is a filmmaker) they wouldn’t get their liquor license.

When confronted city officials tend to use probable deniability and argue over “interpretations” of code. End result is tax dollars used on legal and businesses being delayed or dying.

But it’s like our deathly wait times at hospitals now. People only seem to care when they are the ones waiting 15 hours to see a doctor while in pain instead of being proactive before.

This is a subject that CFN has written about for over a decade. The owner of Echo Trends is screeching now simply because she’s having permit problems. When she lived across the street from me she was a horrid neighbor and boycotted CFN.

Another business owner complained that she took her issues to the Seaway News and Standard Freeholder seeking help but was given an ad rate card. She complained about them not doing a story for her.

But media outlets have to survive too. While the City initiated a boycott against this newspaper that they pushed others to do so starting in 2011, both the SN & SF desperately need city dosh. And frankly all business owners should advertise their businesses. It’s important, not just for marketing, but when they need editorial support it’s easier to provide it when a media outlet can actually have the resources.

It costs nearly $500 to write a proper piece of journalism in 2022. That’s not cheap. You don’t go to a restaurant and ask for a free meal on the proviso that you’ll buy it if you like it. Media don’t owe anyone to write a story.

We used to do real actual restaurant reviews. The standard there is of course you pay for the meal and don’t say you’re doing a review. If a resto likes what you did though, they better comp you a meal if you choose to return at a later date. That never happened a single time in the area. Another outlet was actually demanding free meals to write reviews which is not how it’s done.

This writer had a now defunct coffee house rave about how someone from Ottawa commented on the review we wrote and dropped into their establishment. They never bought an ad, or even sent over a free coffee. They are now long gone out of business.

People talk about shopping local, but it’s truly important to advertise and support local media, because one day you truly may need local media, or you have to spend thousands as Aaron Bell of Rothmar has on PR firms, plus legal. If he had better media relations he may have not had to.

Mr. Bell was at the meeting last night as was Mr. Walsh as both are suing the city. The leader of this permit group sounded like something from the Domestic Terriers in Ottawa demanding the GG remove the government. He and Ms Echo Trends clearly don’t understand what they’re dealing with or frankly what it takes to get a result.

Bad people don’t just step down and give up what they fought for powerwise.

The only way to change things is to change them. I know. I’ve beaten City Hall in Cornwall multiple times and have the scars to show for it. You remove one corrupt politician or toady and they get replaced by another.

When asked I said that the group needs to focus on one or two key issues first and win them. They needed to get the support of some of the downtown heavy business hitters. They needed to create leverage and team build. I was told by Ms Echo trends that I was being negative.

Again, why decades of corruption in Cornwall have flourished is simply because people there just refuse to work together. They have no backbone. They wither just as many of my friends and clients in Cornwall did when the City had me falsely arrested when I ran for mayor in 2014.

The only way Cornwall can get better is if enough people want change and work together. It’s that simple.

And tragically it most likely won’t happen. I attended that meeting as I saw a glimmer of possible light.

Scott Campbell is naive at best or an utter fool at worst to think his list of demands to the city has any chance of traction. As for Suzanne Prosser Dexter, owner of Echo Trends, she’s been around long enough to maybe finally realize that all those years she was fine with what was going on in Cornwall simply have come to roost on her and her business. That she’s complaining now is frankly grossly hypocritical.

From over 50 (according to him) people attending his first meeting there were barely about a dozen last night. Their group seems to simply be Mr. Campbell and Ms Dexter.

People have to pull together. Not only when they need help, but when others do to.

A community is only as strong as their weakest link. I went to this meeting as a local business owner with experience in dealing with the city. I was prepared to help. Offending those who have achieved success is not the way to win. For this writer the meeting was a failure.

Printing stickers will not change City Hall. Only working together and building change will. Business owners attitudes have to change and people have to stop being such utter illiterate, intolerant thugs and bullies in Cornwall Ontario.

jamie@cornwallfreenews.com

OCTOBER 31, 2022 – From October 17 to October 30, 2022, the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Detachment (SD&G) of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) intercepted nine high-end stolen vehicles travelling the Highway 401 corridor.

SD&G officers patrolling the highway use keen observation skills and investigative techniques to identify stolen vehicles and stop them. Often, the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and OPP Canine unit assist with the arrest of the drivers of the stolen vehicles.

The following individuals were arrested and charged in connection with stolen vehicles in SD&G over the past two weeks:

Ryan GREEN, age 30, of Georgina, Ontario, was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Possession of Break in Instruments – CC – sec. 351(1)

Pierre ROOLDY, age 24, of Montreal, Quebec was charge with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Fail to Comply with Undertaking – CC – sec. 145(4)(a)

–       Fail to Comply with Probation Order – CC – sec. 733.1(1)

–       Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence – Highway Traffic Act (HTA) – sec. 32(1)

Bertony JOSPEH, age 24, of Montreal, Quebec, was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Possession of Break in Instruments – CC – sec. 351(1)

Guy LEFEBVRE, age 43, of Carignan, Quebec was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Flight From a Peace Officer – CC – sec. 320.17

–       Dangerous Operation – CC – sec. 320.13(1)

–       Fail to Comply with Undertaking – CC – sec. 145(4)(a) – three counts

Romenskee COLAS, age 20, of Laval, Quebec, was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Fail to Comply with Undertaking – CC – sec. 145(4)(a) – two counts

Ange-Brian DIOP-TIENTCHEU, age 18, of St Laurent, Quebec, was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence – CC – sec. 465(1)(c)

Elijah PIERRE, age 20, of Pierrefonds, Quebec, was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Resist a Peace Officer – CC – sec. 129(a)

–       Personation with the Intent to Avoid Arrest, Prosecution or Obstruct Justice – CC – se. 403(1)(d)

–       Assault a Peace Officer – CC – sec. 270(1)(a)

–       Obstruct a Peace Officer – CC – sec. 129(a)

Nicolas KOUYATE, age 19, of Montreal was charged with:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Dangerous Operation – CC – sec. 320.13(1)

–       Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence – Highway Traffic Act (HTA) – sec. 32(1)

Three young persons have also been charged in connection with stolen vehicles. Their names are being withheld to protect their identity under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They were charged with a combination of the following:

–       Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – Criminal Code (CC) – sec. 354(1)(a)

–       Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence – CC – sec. 465(1)(c)

–       Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence – Highway Traffic Act (HTA) – sec. 32(1)

–       Drive Wrong Way – One Way Traffic – HTA – sec.153

The OPP is asking that anyone with information or video surveillance of the area at the time of the incident to notify the SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

NOVEMBER 17, 2022 – The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one individual with possession of illegal drugs. 

On November 16, 2022, the SD&G Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed several warrants at three residences in Cornwall, Ontario. One individual was arrested for possession of suspected fentanyl and oxycodone pills.

The SD&G Crime Unit, Provincial weapon enforcement unit (PWEU), Emergency response team (ERT) and the Cornwall Police Service Street Crime Unit, also assisted with the investigation.

Joseph KIIRYA, aged 19, of Ottawa Ontario, was charge with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act sec 5(2) – two counts

• Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court, Criminal Code (CC) sec 145(5)(a)

• Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, CC sec 92(2)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada, CC sec 354(1)(a)

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall at a later date.

November 18, 2022 – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County Detachment has charged an individual employed with a security contractor at the Ontario Police College (OPC) following a criminal investigation.

On November 10, 2022, OPP Elgin detachment was contacted by staff of the Ontario Police College (OPC) to initiate an investigation after a complaint from two students regarding an employee of a private-sector security contractor at OPC.

As a result of the investigation, Peter NEUFELD 53-year-old of St. Thomas, Ontario is charged with:

• Criminal Harassment – repeatedly follow, repeatedly communicate with, watch and beset, threatening conduct (two counts).
• Extortion (two counts).

Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

December 1, 2022 – Hundreds of charges have been laid across Ontario, a snapshot of the work done by investigators and analysts that make up the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet (Provincial Strategy).

The results of the investigations completed in October, named Project MAVERICK, were announced in a video release showcasing members of the Provincial Strategy. During the month, the 27 policing partners conducted 255 investigations, completed 168 search warrants and seized 1,032 devices. In total, 428 charges were laid against 107 people. During the investigations, 61 victims were identified and referred to appropriate community-based resources for assistance, while an additional 60 children were safeguarded. There are 175 ongoing investigations where additional charges may be laid.

The Provincial Strategy includes two ministries (Attorney General and Solicitor General) and 27 participating police agencies: Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, Durham, Greater Sudbury, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa, Peel, Peterborough, Sarnia, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor, Woodstock and York.

Additional partners that participated in these investigations included OPP Digital Forensics, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security. The BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, the Children’s Aid Society and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection provided victims’ support and education.

Since the Provincial Strategy began in 2006, it has completed 65,564 investigations and laid 24,608 charges against 6,540 people. A total of 3,470 victims have been identified worldwide.

The video outlining the investigation is available on Twitter (@OPP_News), Facebook (@ontarioprovincialpolice) and youtu.be/S7SzSSlRmLk. A full list of charges for Project MAVERICK is included in the Addendum of Charged Persons that can be found on opp.ca/news/#/mediakit.

The investigations continue and anyone with information on these or any child exploitation investigations are asked to contact their local police. Report any instances of online child abuse to police or cybertip.ca. If a child is being harmed, call 9-1-1.

QUOTES

“These numbers are shocking, but they provide hope by showing the lengths our teams are willing to go to protect children. I would like to express gratitude for the hard work of the Provincial Strategy members, and our partners, in keeping children in this province safe and holding those who want to harm them accountable.”

– OPP Chief Superintendent Kari Dart, OPP Investigation and Support Bureau

“The work done by the Provincial Strategy members take us to some of the darkest corners of society and exposes the horrific crimes committed every day against children. This is not a crime that can be combatted by our members alone and we ask that everyone out there recognize the importance they play in protecting children. Report these crimes, remain vigilant and educate yourself.”

– OPP Detective Sergeant Jamie King, Provincial Strategy Lead

Those related to the Cornwall area charged were:

Jordan SANDERSON-BROWN 30 Cornwall, Ontario
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Make Available Child Pornography
• Accessing Child Pornography
Released on Undertaking, First appearance November 29, 2022

Benoit BOURGUIGNON 26 Cornwall, Ontario
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Make Available Child Pornography
• Accessing Child Pornography
Released on Undertaking, First appearance December 13, 2022

As well as:

Doric LATREILLE 23 Ottawa/Cornwall, Ontario
• Possession of Child Pornography x2
• Make Available Child Pornography
• Counsel an Uncommitted Indictable Offence
• Luring a Person under 18 years of age
• Distribution of Child Pornography
• Making sexually explicit material available to child x2
• Luring a person under 16
Out on bail, house arrest with GPS bracelet. Court date set December 8, 2022 for plea.

Jennifer LALONDE-MEDEIROS 22 Ottawa/Cornwall, Ontario
• Possession of Child Pornography x2
Out on bail, strict conditions, no court date (adj)

RESOURCES

To learn how to keep children safe, go to Canadian Centre for Child Protection or cybertip.ca.

December 5, 2022 –  A member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Traffic incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team and members of the Leeds County Detachment, safely arrested and charged four people after a traffic stop.  

On December 4, 2022, just before 7:15 a.m., officers on Highway 401, eastbound near Reynolds Road, conducted a traffic stop, pulling over two vehicles for a traffic related offence. One of the vehicles stopped had been reported stolen. 

As a result of the investigation, Kevin CESAR, 21-years-old, Iverson BRISSON, 20-years-old, and Abelina ALCEUS VILLEGAS, 19-years-old, all from Montreal, Quebec have been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 – Criminal Code 354(1)(a)

• Theft over $5000 of a motor vehicle – CC 334(a)

• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence – CC 465(1)(c)

• Possession of break in instruments – CC 351(1)

• Possessing automobile master key – CC 353(1)(b)

• Mischief to computer data, destroy or alter – CC 430(1.1)(a)

• Mischief under $5000 – CC 430(4)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – CC 354(1)(a)

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – CC 88

• Possession of imitation weapon for dangerous purpose – CC 88

Cesar, is further charged with:

• Failure to comply with release order – CC 145(5)(a) – four counts

• Fail to comply with probation order – CC 733.1(1) – four counts

• Drive motor vehicle with no licence – Highway Traffic Act (HTA) 32(1)

• Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available – Cannabis Control Act, 2017 (CCA) 12(1)

Alceus Villegas has also been charged with obstruct Peace Officer, section 129(a) of the Criminal Code.  

Brisson has been additionally charged with two counts of breach of recognizance, section 811 of the Criminal Code. 

Colbert ALUC, 31-years-old from Laval, Quebec has been charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 – CC 354(1)(a)

• Mischief to computer data, destroy or alter – CC 430(1.1)(a)

• Theft over $5000 of a motor vehicle – CC 334(a)

• Mischief under $5000 – CC 430(4)

• Conspiracy to commit indictable offence – CC 465(1)(c)

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – CC 354(1)(a)

• Fail to comply with probation order – CC 733.1(1) – two counts

• Possession of a schedule I substance, Cocaine – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) 4(1)

All four of the accused were held for bail. 

IMPAIRED DRIVER

(NORTH GLENGARRY, ON) – The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a driver with impaired driving.

On May 6, 2023, shortly after 2:30 a.m., SD&G officers were on general patrol and conducted a traffic stop on Bishop Street, in North Glengarry Township. 

Joseph CHATELAINE, aged 42, of South Glengarry, Ontario was charged with:

•             Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

•             Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall.

While the OPP and its traffic safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads. Drivers can significantly contribute to safe roads by avoiding risks and choosing not to consume alcohol or drugs when operating a motor vehicle.

OPP is reminding the public that a 90-day automatic drivers licence suspension and a seven-day impoundment of your vehicle accompanies any impaired driving charge.

If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911. You could be responsible for saving a life.

POSSESSION OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE – Charges Laid

(SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON) – On May 5, 2023, shortly after 9:00 p.m., officers observed and intercepted a motor vehicle on Highway 401, South Glengarry Township after receiving information that it was reported stolen from the Toronto area.

Anthony REGO, age 28, of Toronto ON, was arrested and charged with.

•             Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

•             Possession Break in Instruments

•             Possessing Automobile Master Key

•             Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court, four counts.

•             Flight from peace officer

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of justice in Cornwall

DOMESTIC – Charge laid

(SOUTH DUNDAS, ON) – On May 6, 2023, shortly before 1:30 a.m. Stormont Dundas & Glengarry officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute in North Dundas Township.

A 27-year-old male from North Gower, Ontario was arrested and is charged with assault.

The name of the accused is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of justice in Cornwall

June 18, 2023 – The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating the death of an infant.

On June 17, 2023, shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers responded with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell Paramedic Service to a residence in Hawkesbury for an infant in medical distress. The infant was transported to the hospital by ambulance and a short time later was pronounced deceased.

The Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for this week in Ottawa.

The investigation is in the early stages and no further details can be released at this time.

Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Hawkesbury OPP at 1-888-310-1122