NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have made arrests in relation to use of counterfeit currency in the City of Orillia.
On March 21 and 22, 2020 Orillia OPP members and Rama Police Service members received calls regarding the use of counterfeit American currency in Orillia and Rama First Nation.
On March 22, 2020, the Orillia OPP received a third call from a business on Atherley Road that a suspect, in relation to these incidents, was observed in the area. A description of the vehicle was provided to police and a traffic stop was conducted. Three suspects from the vehicle ran from police. After a short foot pursuit police were able to arrest the suspects.
Police arrested Allan Cliffe, age 38, and Derek Hall, age 36, of Barrie and charged them with the following offences:
- Two counts of Uttering Counterfeit Money Contrary to section 452(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of Counterfeit Money Contrary to Section 450(b) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Flight from Police Officer Contrary to Section 320.17 of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs; and, Substances Act.
William Comstive, age 30 of Barrie was also arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of Uttering Counterfeit Money Contrary to section 452(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of Counterfeit Money Contrary to Section 450(b) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Personation with Intent to Avoid Arrest Contrary to Section 403(1)(d) of the Criminal Code;
- Obstruct Police Officer Contrary to Section 129(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Breach of Recognizance Contrary to Section 811 of the Criminal Code;
- Breach of Probation Contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code;
- Flight from Police Officer Contrary to Section 320.17 of the Criminal Code; and,
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
All three suspects were released on a Form 10 and set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on June 2, 2020.
Counterfeit currency makes its way through our communities from time-to-time and businesses should take precautions to avoid falling victim.
Consult with your financial institution on how to safeguard your business against the use of counterfeit money which may include use of technology or training. Enact strict policies and ensure your employees are aware of the potential that counterfeit currency can be used.
The Orillia OPP is committed to public safety and crime prevention. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
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