Editor's note: The following has been updated to reflect the charges being withdrawn on Jan. 28, 2022.
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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NEW TECUMSETH, ESSA TOWNSHIP - On April 2, 2020, Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) entered into an investigation involving numerous Highway Traffic Act (HTA) violations involving a commercial motor vehicle and its driver.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle's identification number (VIN) had been tampered with and a second piece of equipment being trailered had its serial number intentionally removed.
The scope of the investigation broadened, which resulted in offences against the Criminal Code of Canada (CC).
As a result of this investigation, on Tuesday, April 22, 2020, [a 46-year-old Essa Township man was] charged with the following:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, contrary to s.354(1)(a) CC - 2 counts;
- Driving while under suspension, contrary to s.53(1) HTA;
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle, contrary to s.12(1)(d) HTA;
- Drive commercial motor vehicle-improper licence, contrary to s.32(1) HTA;
- Fail to surrender inspection schedule, contrary to s.107(7) HTA;
- Fail to complete daily inspection report forthwith after inspection, contrary to s.107(5) HTA;
- Drive commercial motor vehicle-no valid CVOR certificate, contrary to s.16(2) HTA;
- Operate vehicle-fail to display device, contrary to s.85(1) HTA - 2 counts;
- Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit, contrary to s.7(1)(a) HTA;
- Overweight vehicle-violate permit- 17000kg., contrary to s.121(1) HTA;
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance, contrary to s.2(1)(a) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA);
- Fail to have insurance card, contrary to s.3(1) CAIA; and
- Fail to notify change of address-licence, contrary to s.33(1) Ontario Regulation 340/94, HTA.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice to answer to the charges.
"Property crime hurts all of us at all levels from the average citizen right up to large corporations and trickles back through increased insurance rates. I encourage anyone with information regarding this incident or regarding any stolen property to contact the Police or contact Crime Stoppers." - Sgt. Eric Steele, Traffic Sergeant, Nottawasaga OPP Detachment.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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