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Gay Overland faces numerous arson charges

CITY POLICE NEWS RELEASE *************************** Arson investigation results in numerous charges for local woman The Sault Ste.

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

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Arson investigation results in numerous charges for local woman

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has completed a lengthy investigation into a series of residential arsons that occurred in Sault Ste. Marie between 2005 and 2011. 

As a result, 53-year-old Gay Lynn Overland, of no fixed address, has been charged with numerous arson and fraud related offenses. 

The alleged incidents all relate to local properties that she either owned solely, or jointly with another person, or properties in which she had personal interest in.

The total value of property loss is in excess of $160,000.

Gay Lynn Overland will appear in bail court on Thursday, December 22, in Sault Ste. Marie and has been charged with the following offenses:

    •    Five counts of arson
    •    Three counts of fraud over $5,000
    •    One count of uttering a forged document
    •    One count of counselling another person to commit arson
 
The following are the details for each individual occurrence:

    •    On July 3, 2005, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended at 817 Goulais Avenue in regards to a barn fire. The barn was totally destroyed for a total loss of $50,000.

    •    On April 12, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a house fire at 181 Andrew Street. The house was destroyed by the fire. The total loss from this fire was $40,000.

    •    On April 24, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a garage fire at 817 Goulais Avenue. The garage was damaged by fire. The total cost of the damage was $2,500.

    •    On May 30, 2009, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a house fire at 113 Cathcart Street. The house was destroyed by the fire. The total loss from this fire was in excess of $76,000.

    •    On September 27, 2011, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services attended a garage fire at 627 Queen Street West. The fire was extinguished prior to any significant amount of damage being caused.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to thank the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services and the office of the Ontario Fire Marshall for their assistance in this investigation. 

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would also like to thank members of the public who came forward with information throughout this investigation.

Arsons pose a significant risk to the public and emergency services personnel.

Due to the potential for injury and significant property damage, these investigations are a priority for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.   

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