Calgary, AB,
17
May
2016
|
10:33
America/Denver

Police charge six after community reports suspicious home

The Calgary Police Service has recovered approximately $150,000 worth of stolen property and laid over 100 charges against six people after an investigation focused on two residences in the community of Winston Heights-Mountview.

The investigation began after community members spoke to their Calgary Police Service Community Liaison Officer about suspicious activity at a residence in the 600 block of 27 Avenue N.E. Police launched an investigation in January and uncovered what is believed to be a drug trafficking operation where stolen property was being exchanged for drugs.

On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, investigators executed a search warrant on the house, and found a large amount of stolen property believed to be taken through break-ins, car prowlings and shoplifting. That same day, police also recovered additional property and stolen vehicles from a related residence in the 400 block of 15 Avenue N.E.

Then, on Friday, March 11, 2016, investigators executed more search warrants on the house along 27 Avenue N.E., and seized a smaller amount of stolen property, drugs and four firearms. Police later arrested several people who are connected to the address.

The investigation is a great example of police and Calgarians working in partnership to prevent crime and find solutions to problems that threaten public safety. Police officers cannot be everywhere all the time and the public plays a crucial role in keeping Calgary safe by reporting crimes and suspicious activity.

Calgarians are always encouraged to maintain positive relationships with their neighbours, community organizations and police officers in their neighbourhood in order to have a better understanding of the dynamics in the community. This allows everyone to note when something is amiss and to work together to keep communities safe.

During the course of the investigation, police seized:

  • Approximately $150,000 in stolen property, including three vehicles, two flat-deck trailers, tools and merchandise believed to be stolen directly from stores
  • 60 fentanyl pills valued at $1,200
  • 81 grams of marijuana valued at $800
  • 31 grams of MDMA (ecstacy) valued at $3,500
  • 47 bags of unknown assorted pills
  • Small amounts of hash oil
  • A safe drill for opening large safes
  • Four stolen rifles
  • Small amounts of ammunition

Investigators have already returned a significant amount of the property to the rightful owners. Two of the victims were construction companies that had to temporarily lay workers off after the companies’ tools were stolen because there was no way for the employees to work. The return of these tools has allowed those companies to resume operations.

The remaining owners will be contacted as investigators identify them using police reports and property registries. Citizens who have had property stolen should file a police report online describing the property and providing any serial numbers so police can contact them if the property is recovered.

Charged are the following:

  • Richard Kelly STEEL, 57, of Calgary, is charged with 26 criminal offences, including multiple firearm offences, possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Georges ELZEIN, 50, of Calgary, is charged with 44 criminal offences, including theft over $5,000, theft under $5,000, and multiple counts of fraud.
  • Michael Adam MATCHET, 30, of Calgary, is charged with 28 offences, including possession of stolen property, failing to appear in court, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and other traffic offences.
  • Kimmerly Edward NESBITT, 57, of Calgary, is charged with nine criminal offences, including theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property and fraud.
  • Jessica SWINIMER, 33, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of theft under $5,000.
  • Gregory DOKKEN, 40, of Calgary, is charged with one count of motor vehicle theft and two counts of theft under $5,000.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Case # 16102080/4516