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Broadcast time: 12:45 pm |
Date: December 5, 2019 |
As part of an ongoing and lengthy investigation the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch has arrested a Sarnia man that was involved in numerous frauds both in Sarnia and also outside of the city.
It was determined, through the investigation, that the suspect was alleged to have committed purchases using fraudulent identification to request a number of Home Depot credit cards. On November 9, 2019 the accused purchased over $800 of goods at a Home Depot store in London and on November 11, 2019, the suspect purchased approximately $1000 worth of goods at the Sarnia Home Depot store.
On November 14, 2019, as detectives continued their investigation, they had attended the local Home Depot store where they observed the suspect as they conducted surveillance. The suspect was arrested regarding an unrelated outstanding warrant. As the investigation continued officers found the suspect to be in possession of a National Defence driver’s licence baring the suspect’s photo but the name of someone else.
The accused was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing. On November 15, 2019, a warrant was executed at the residence of the accused to locate further evidence related to the crime. Officers located property related to fraudulent purchases, along with receipts, and another National Defence driver’s licence.
It was determined that the accused opened numerous credit card accounts and used the cards in the Greater Toronto Area, Sarnia, and London at Home Depot Stores. These incidents occurred between August 8, 2019 and November 7, 2019.
It is alleged that the accused racked up a total of over $22,000 in fraudulent transactions.
The accused in this matter is a Dustin Ray Alexander Bedard, 31 years of age, of Sarnia. The accused faces the following charges:
- Two counts fail to comply with a recognizance.
- One count of forgery of a credit card.
- One count of fraud over $5000.
- Two counts of fraud under $5000.
- One count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.
- Two counts of unlawful use of military uniforms – has in his possession a certificate.
The accused has since been released on bail with his next court appearance on January 14, 2020.
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca