Two men have been arrested in connection with a major theft investigation at Algoma Steel.
Sault Police say more than $800,000 worth of materials was stolen from the plant in multiple heists dating back to July — and that the two suspects were apprehended on the fence line of the property, suggesting they were preparing to strike again.
Police allege that one suspect was responsible for the bulk of the thefts, illegally entering the property seven times between July 15 and Aug. 28. “On each of these occasions, the first accused had stolen large quantities of materials from the business,” says a police news release.
Police allege the second suspect entered the property once, on Aug. 25, with the other accused and stole material valued at approximately $200,000.
The investigation began on Aug. 27, when Algoma Steel reported the stolen material to police. The suspects were arrested on-site the next day.
“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 say. “Two vehicles were seized.”
Richard Soulazkoff, 42, is charged with:
• 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
Jason Fabbro, 45, is charged with:
• Break and Enter – Commit Indictable Offence
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5,000
• Theft – Over $5,000
Both men were held in custody pending bail hearings. None of the allegations have been tested in court and both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
“The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wants to thank Algoma Steel for its cooperation during this investigation,” Chief Hugh Stevenson said in the news release. “After Algoma Steel reported significant thefts on their property, our team finalized the investigation and apprehended the two suspects on-site, preventing what was likely another theft.”
Mike Garcia, the CEO of Algoma Steel Inc., is also quoted in the police news release.
“Algoma Steel appreciates the extensive, cooperative efforts of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, our internal security team and our external security partner to collectively safeguard our employees, property and our community,” he said.