Tuesday, April 22, 2003

CHARGES LAID IN LOGGING THEFT
Echo Bay, Ont.,

A theft investigation from earlier this month has resulted in a theft charge against a Blind River man.

Earlier this month, Sault Ste. Marie OPP were called to the Haversack Lake area of Echo Bay after receiving a report that about 200 acres of private property was illegally cut.

The investigation has revealed that hardwood trees were illegally cut down and removed from the property by a logger. Police estimate that the stolen timber was worth about $40,000 to $50,000. The investigation has revealed that all the timber was exported to the United States for processing.

Charged with theft over $5,000 is thirty-nine-year-old Jean Guy Michaud of Blind River, Ontario. He will make his first court appearance in May.