Suspect in huge Algoma Steel theft also charged with stealing from Hydro One

A Sault Ste. Marie man charged with stealing $800,000 worth of materials from Algoma Steel over the summer is all too familiar with the criminal justice system. 

Richard Soulatzkoff was one of two people charged with breaking into Algoma Steel property and stealing thousands of dollars in materials in multiple heists dating back to July. 

An investigation by Sault Ste. Marie Police Service began on Aug. 27, when Algoma Steel reported the stolen material to police. 

The two suspects — Soulatzkoff and his alleged accomplice, Jason Fabbro — were apprehended on the fence line of the property the very next day, suggesting they were preparing to strike again. 

“A subsequent search found the first accused to be in possession of tools used to steal the material, pieces of the stolen material, receipts from having sold the stolen material, and approximately 29 grams of suspected cocaine,” police said in a release at the time. “Two vehicles were seized.” 

Police allege that Soulatzkoff was responsible for the bulk of the thefts, illegally entering the property seven times between July 15 and Aug. 28 to steal large quantities of materials from the Sault steelmaker.  

The 42-year-old was charged with the following offences: 

• Break and Enter – Commit Indictable Offence x3

• Possession of Schedule I Substance for Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5,000 x3

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime –Under $5,000 x4

• Theft – Over $5,000 x3

• Theft – Under $5,000 x4

According to court records retrieved by SooToday, it's not the first time that Soulatzkoff has been picked up by police for theft.   

In October 2022, Soulatzkoff was charged by Ontario Provincial Police for allegedly stealing a 2013 Ford F-150 in Gaudette, an incorporated township located northeast of Sault Ste. Marie. He was also charged with one count of mischief for allegedly causing damage to the pickup truck.  

But Soulatzkoff’s brushes with the law don’t end there: On Aug. 24 — just days before being charged for his alleged role in the Algoma Steel heists — he was charged with fleeing from police in a vehicle and being in possession of less than $5,000 of stolen copper wire, which was allegedly taken from Hydro One property in Tilley Township north of the Sault.  

Soulatzkoff was also charged with a single count of mischief for allegedly damaging a chain link fence on Hydro One property in the alleged copper heist. 

While he was released on bail in both of those instances, Soulatzkoff was eventually detained following an Aug. 30 bail hearing.    

None of the allegations have been tested in court and both of the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

The next court date for Soulatzkoff is scheduled for Nov. 14.