Four people have been charged in connection with financial irregularities involving more than $3-million.
Patrick Brennan, Andy Peters, Melanie Pirie, and Leonard Totten were charged on Thursday with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and several other offences.
Last March, West District RCMP started an investigation into financial crimes following a report from a business with allegations of fraud against several employees.
Police eventually discovered that the employees made unauthorized purchases of bare copper wire through the company dating back ten years to November 2012.
After getting the wire, they sold it to a local salvage dealer, who knew it was acquired illegally.
On June 7th, 2022, members of the West District detachment executed search warrants at two homes and one business in connection with the investigation.
A 45-year-old woman from Cummings Cove, a 49-year-old man from Back Bay, a 75-year-old man from Pennfield, and a 56-year-old man from Bonny River, were all arrested. They were later released pending a future court appearance.
Brennan, Peters, Pirie, and Totten were also charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, laundering proceeds of crime.
All four are scheduled to appear in Saint John Provincial Court on October 12th, 2022.
“Our members worked diligently on this complex file, and were able to gather the evidence needed to support the charges that were laid,” says Cpl. Dan Sharpe with the West District RCMP. “We encourage anyone who is purchasing salvaged parts or metals to ensure the product has been legally acquired.”
Anyone with information about or who may suspect fraudulent or stolen goods, or if you have been a victim of fraud, contact your local police.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
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