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Broadcast time: 11:25 am |
Date: January 11, 2019 |
On January 9, 2019, the Sarnia Police Service reported of an investigation where information was received that four youth high school females had received threats via social media directed at both them and their families.
Members of the Sarnia Police Service Youth Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch began their investigation and have since been able to arrest one alleged suspect.
At this time one of the persons who initially identified herself as a victim of the threats has been found to be responsible for the creation of a social media account through which she impersonated a specific male student. She used his identity to send messages that were violent in nature causing the male she impersonated to suffer consequences from both the school and the law.
This male student, who was alleged to have posted the messages, suffered hardship as the messages were in turn posted to a social media website where several persons presumed the guilt of the male student and expressed their beliefs.
Charli Gilbert-Sanford, an 18 year old female student from Sarnia, is charged with public mischief, impersonation with intent (identity fraud), and uttering threats to cause death.
The Sarnia Police Service investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone who may have information to assist with the investigation is asked to contact 519-344-8861 and speak with Detective Kent Jamieson at extension 6221 or Detective Tyler Callander at extension 6193 or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
We would also like to remind the public that even though social media is a very useful tool, it, like any tool, can be used to harm others and the problems that can be caused may have significant consequences.
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca