Firearm seized and more than 50 charges laid following breach-related investigation
Our Prolific Offender Engagement Team (POET) has charged two individuals after they were believed to have been breaching their release conditions and engaging in criminal activity. One firearm was seized as part of the investigation.
At the end of June 2024, an offender being monitored by POET was released on bail with extensive court-imposed conditions. As part of POET’s mandate, following the individual’s release, officers conducted checks to confirm they were abiding by court-imposed conditions as well as made multiple attempts to support their reintegration efforts.
However, in July 2024, it was believed the offender had re-engaged in criminal activity and was later identified as a suspect in a locker room break and enter, as well as several auto thefts and associated frauds in Calgary. POET began investigating and gathered additional evidence.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, police executed a search warrant on a residence located in the 200 block of Deerview Court S.E. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a loaded rifle, a stolen Ford F350, approximately 200 rounds of various ammunition, three prohibited rifle magazines, two batons, bear spray and multiple stolen identification documents and personal information. A man and a woman were arrested without incident.
Photos of the seized firearm are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Michael AKEY, 40, of Calgary, is charged with 50 criminal charges, including failing to comply with a release order, failing to comply with a probation order, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, careless storage of a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, fraud under $5,000, possession of stolen property and driving while prohibited. AKEY will next appear in court on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Kari HOLTZ, 38, of Calgary, is charged with six criminal charges, including failing to comply with a release order, possession of a loaded firearm, careless storage of a firearm and possession of stolen property under $5,000. HOLTZ will next appear in court on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
“Engaging offenders with the goal of supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration is our preferred approach,” says Sgt. Ryan Johnson of POET. “However, we cannot ignore criminal activity, and when necessary, we will use our resources to monitor, investigate and apprehend those who are victimizing Calgarians.”
Case #CA24310140/5546
About the CPS Prolific Offender Engagement Team
The Calgary Police Service Prolific Offender Engagement Team (POET) is a dedicated resource within our Offender Management Unit tasked specifically with managing prolific offenders in Calgary. Offenders are prioritized and assigned to POET based on their level of criminality, number of convictions, history of compliance, criminogenic factors, support agency connections and community impact.
POET uses a combination of suppression, investigation and engagement techniques to reduce an offender’s criminality and protect the community. POET strategically focuses on the root causes of offending and applies practical solutions and management plans tailored to an offender’s unique situation. This can include proactive monitoring of offenders, apprehending when crimes are committed, and planning and facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.