Monday, February 6, 2006

Home Renovations Fraud – additional charges laid

As a result of a numerous complaints regarding home renovation frauds committed against senior citizens in Sault Ste. Marie since 2004, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s Fraud Unit entered into a joint investigation with the Ministry of Government Services’ Marketplace Standards and Services Branch.

Andrew David Cory, also known as “Andy Allen”, “Andy Bacon”, “Andy Davis”, and “Allan Davis” formerly of Pilgrim St. AND carrying on business as Ontario Energy Services has been charged with 17 counts of engaging in unfair practices in relation to contracting with a consumer and failing to perform renovations, failing to complete work as agreed and failing to supply materials, all contrary to section 3 of the Business Practices Act, thereby committing an offence under section 17(2) of that Act.

Andrew Cory has also been charged with 74 counts of failing to deliver copies of direct sales contracts that contain required information under section 39(1) of the Consumer Protection Act.

Andrew Cory is currently incarcerated in the Kingston Penitentiary. In August 2005 he was convicted on similar charges under the Business Practices Act and Consumer Protection Act having been found guilty of committing home renovation frauds committed against seniors in Sault Ste. Marie. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Offences Court on 12 April 2006.

Further, Deneen Aikens, common-law spouse of Andrew Cory has been charged with 4 counts of engaging in unfair practices in relation to contracting with a consumer and failing to perform renovations, failing to complete work as agreed and failing to supply materials, all contrary to section 3 of the Business Practices Act, thereby committing an offence under section 17(2) of that Act. Deneen Aikens is scheduled to appear in Provincial Offences Court on 12 April 2006.

Outstanding Warrent Arrest

26-year old Lisa Mortari of no fixed address was arrested on February 3rd on an outstanding warrant for fail to appear in court. When officers first spoke to the accused it is alleged that she provided a name other than her own. The accused was also charged with one count of personation with intent.

Probation Breach

24-year old Jaclyn Hurst of 36 Nichol Avenue was arrested on the 5th of February and charged with one count of breach of a release order and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that the accused was under the influence of alcohol while on a release order and a probation order both with conditions not to consume alcohol.

42-Year Old Male Charged With Assault

A 42-year old male was arrested just after midnight on February 4th and charged with one count of assault. It is alleged that the accused assaulted his common law wife at their centrally located residence by punching her in the face. The victim did not require medical treatment for her injuries.

22-Year Old Arrested For Assault and Forcible Confinement

A 22-year old male was arrested on the 3rd of February after is alleged that he assaulted his former common-law wife in a west end residence. It is alleged that the accused wouldn’t let the victim leave the residence when she wished to do so. It is further alleged that the accused assaulted the victim by grabbing her by the throat and pulling her hair. The accused has been charged with one count of assault and one count of forcible confinement.

Man Runs Red Light Nearly Striking Police Cruiser

On the 5th of February around 1:20 am a City Police cruiser was at the intersection of Black Road and McNabb Street. It is alleged that 45-year old Timothy Johns of 25 Dream Catcher Road in Garden River was operating a vehicle when it is alleged that he entered into the intersection against the red light and nearly struck the cruiser before his vehicle came to a stop in a snow bank. When officers approached the accused they detected an odour of alcohol. Mr. Johns was charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of consume over the legal limit. He will appear in court on March 6th.

Impaired Driving

43-year old James MacIntyre of 25 Marty Boulevard was arrested on the 5th of February and charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of consume over the legal limit. It is alleged that on the 5th of February just after 6 am the accused drove his vehicle into a snow bank on 3rd Line East. When officers arrived they found the accused to be under the influence of alcohol. Mr. MacIntyre’s vehicle sustained light damage. The accused will appear in court on March 16th.

Theft Charges

A 17-year old youth was arrested on the 5th of February and charged with two counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of mischief under $5,000 and two counts of breach of probation. It is alleged that the youth entered 2 vehicles in the ACR parking lot by breaking the windows and stealing contents from both of them. The youth will appear in court on March 7th.

48-Year Old Charged With Sexual Assault On 17-Year Old.

48-year old Norman McMullin of 450 River Street North, Thessalon was arrested on the 4th of February after receiving a complaint of a sexual assault from a young teenaged female victim. It is alleged that in the morning of the 4th the accused touched the youth in a sexual manner. The accused is being charged with one count of sexual assault. The incident occurred in Sault Ste. Marie. The accused will appear in court on March 6th.

Break And Enter

City Police received one report of a break and enter over the weekend. On the 5th of February a homeowner in the 300 block of Wilson Street reported that some time between 4 am and 7 am on that date a shed was broken into and a vehicle was also damaged. It is unknown at this time if anything was taken.

Reports Of Mischeif To Vehicles

Over the weekend City Police received 10 reports of mischief to vehicles. All incidents occurred in the downtown area. In one incident a purse was taken from the vehicle. Several of the vehicles had their windows smashed. If you know who is responsible for these acts of mischief, contact City Police at 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 942-7867.