Monday, March 7, 2005

Former Exec Director Charged

Early in 2004 information came to the attention of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service that brought into question the allocation of certain grant monies received by the Community Operated Police Storefront (COPS).

The Sault Ste. Marie police service, as one founding agency of the storefront operation and whose members continued to take on various board responsibilities, chose appropriately to defer the investigation to an external police agency. The Greater Sudbury Police Service took carriage of this investigation and a report was furnished to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, in February of this year, setting out their findings.

As a result Mr James McGinn of 18 Hawthorne Avenue Sault Ste. Marie and former executive director of the storefront operation, has been charged with one count of fraud over five thousand dollars and one count of fraud under five thousand dollars. Additionally Mr. McGinn had been charged with one count of theft over five thousand dollars and one count of theft under five thousand dollars.

The Community Operated Police Storefront which opened its doors in July of 1995 and most recently operated out of 514 Queen Street East here in Sault Ste. Marie ceased operations in May of 2004. Mr. McGinn, who will make his first court appearance here in Sault Ste. Marie on the 04th of April 2005 at 9:00 a.m., was brought on as the executive director at the time of incorporation in 1998 and remained in this position up until early 2004.

Suspicious Fire Investigation

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service and Fire Departments are investigating a suspicious fire that took place at a residence in the 700 block of McKenzie Ave on Sunday March 6th at approx. 6:45 PM. The fire, which occurred on the second floor of the residence, did not result in any injuries just property damage.

Update: Fire

The cause of the fire that took place at a residence in the 700 block of McKenzie Ave. has been determined to be accidental. The Sault Ste Marie Police Service and the Fire Department investigation has shown that the fire was caused when a candle, set on the floor of a bedroom, fell over. The Fire Department and the City Police would like to remind the Public to take appropriate care when using candles. Don’t leave them unattended for any period of time. A fire can quickly start and get out of control.

Numerous Charges Laid Against Male

On Sunday March 6th at approx. 4:20 AM City Police officers attended an address in the 400 block of Parliament St. in regards to a disturbance. Upon arrival they located an Intoxicated male. Investigation revealed that the male had been released from custody and was out on a release document. The conditions being: to abstain from consuming alcohol, remain away from the 400 block of Parliament St. and not communicate with the complainant . As a result the accused was arrested and charged with three counts of Breach of Recognizance. Upon his arrest the accused threatened Bodily Harm to the complainant and to the two officers. He was further charged three counts of Threatening. The accused, A 32-year-old male will be appearing in Bail Court today at 10:00 AM.

Theft Of Coin Machine

On Sunday March 6th at approx. 8:30 PM City Police were called to attend at 134 Gore St. to investigate the theft of a coin dispenser from the M&M Coin Wash. Sometime prior to 8:30 PM unknown person(s) attended at the laundromat and pried the machine from the wall.

Female Charged With Assault

On Sunday March 6th at approx. 12:15 PM City Police attended a west end residence in regards to a domestic dispute. Upon arrival the complainant informed officers that he was assault by his common-law partner. It is alleged that the victim was scratched about the face and neck area by the accused. He did not require medical attention for his injuries. As a result a 23-year-old female was charged with Assault. She will be appearing in court on Mon. April 11th at 9:00 AM.