Police ask retailers for information after man charged with fraud

The Edmonton Police Service is asking retailers and the public to come forward with information after a man from Quebec was charged with fraud.

On Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015, officers responded to an alleged credit card fraud incident at a retail establishment in west Edmonton. It was reported that a man attempted to use a non-functioning credit card to make a purchase, first with the chip and then with the magnetic strip. Investigation by police led to his arrest.

The Edmonton Police Service Cooperative Policing and Merchant Crime Alert Program connected the man to a previous suspicious occurrence complaint. Police believe the man used a counterfeit Quebec driver’s licence in the name Claude Bergeron, along with numerous non-functioning credit cards, to make fraudulent purchases in the greater Edmonton area during the month of March.

“We believe this individual attempted to make fraudulent purchases at a number of Edmonton businesses, and applied for an instant credit card at an establishment using false identification,” says Const. Chris Klimosko with West Division.

“The investigation suggests the suspect attempted to purchase merchandise and prepaid gift cards using fraudulent credit cards, and he may have worked with a partner,” adds Const. Klimosko.

Retailers who recognize the individual, or members of the public with information about the man, are asked to contact police.

Francis Roberge, 30

Francis Roberge, 30-years-old, has been charged with fraud under $5000, attempted fraud under $5000, possession of credit card data, possession of identity documents and obstructing a peace officer.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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Edmonton man facing two murder charges following collaborative policing effort in Alberta and British Columbia

The Edmonton Police Service will announce the preliminary results of a lengthy and complex investigation that unfolded within two provinces and required a number of law enforcement agencies.

On Saturday, March 3, 2015, investigators arrested and charged an Edmonton man for the July 20, 2014 shooting death of Alor Deng.

Sean Jennings, 27, was charged with second degree murder and four other firearms-related charges.

As a result of the same collaborative policing effort, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team will also charge Sean Jennings with first degree murder for an unrelated shooting in Richmond, BC that occurred on Oct. 2, 2014.

The investigative partnership included members of the Edmonton Police Service, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (British Columbia), Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members within both British Columbia and Alberta.

During the two homicide investigations, police acquired additional evidence related to a number of very serious and violent crimes that demonstrated a high-level of violence both in Edmonton and in lower mainland British Columbia. The investigations included numerous shootings, home invasions and robberies.

As of today, police have laid over 50 criminal charges on two individuals as a direct result of this collaborative effort. As this investigation continues, police anticipate other individuals will be charged in the coming weeks.

Further details will be made available this afternoon, during a 1 p.m. Media Availability, in the EPS HQ Atrium. EPS Acting Chief Brian Simpson, along with representatives from the partner agencies will address the media.


Background on the Edmonton homicide occurrence:

On July 20, 2014 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Mr. Deng was walking with friends along 81 Avenue, near 103 Street in Edmonton. According to witnesses, Mr. Deng and his friends encountered another group of males. A verbal exchange quickly turned fatal when Mr. Deng was fatally shot.

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Big ticket event hands out 2,250 violations

This week, the Edmonton Police Service issued 2,300 traffic tickets during the “big ticket event,” Operation 24 Hours.

In the 24-hour enforcement period starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2015, 1,799 speeding violations were issued. There were 550 additional tickets issued for a variety of violations, including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

EPS STAT members intercepted a 2006 Chrysler 300 for speeding around 4 p.m. in the area of Riverbend Road and Flaconer Road. Subsequent to the traffic stop, police officers further investigated after they detected the odour of drugs and found over two ounces of marijuana wax with the approximate value of $2850 along with other evidence in connection to trafficking. Both the driver and passenger were arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

An 18-year-old male was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possess stolen property under $5,000 and possession of an offensive weapon.

The other 18-year-old male was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession stolen property under $5,000.

There were 2,381 tickets issued during the last Operation 24 Hours in October 2014. During last year’s March 2014 event, the EPS issued 2,069 traffic tickets.

The Edmonton Police Service conducts Operation 24 Hours throughout the year to improve traffic safety in Edmonton by targeting excessive speeding and dangerous driving practices.

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Police seek public’s help in locating missing man last seen in downtown Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an Edmonton man who has not been seen since Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

George Orville Ladouceur, 43-years-old, was reported missing to the EPS on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, after his family became concerned that he had been out of contact. It is believed that Lacouceur’s last known location was 110 Avenue and 83 Street in downtown Edmonton.

Ladouceur’s disappearance is out of character and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being.

He is described as an Aboriginal male, approximately 6’0” tall and 200 lbs., bald with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, white Nike runners and blue jeans.

George Orville Ladouceur, 43

Anyone with information that may assist in locating this individual is encouraged to call the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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Woman arrested after drugs discovered in baby stroller

An Edmonton woman was arrested and charged with drug-related offences Thursday, after EPS officers discovered GHB, crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine in the same baby stroller that was carrying her 18-month-old child.

Two West Division officers were responding to a routine shoplifting call at a retail outlet in the downtown Edmonton mall, as part of a CAT Deployment currently stationed in the City Centre Mall. While investigating the alleged shoplifting incident, officers subsequently discovered two water bottles containing more than 100 ml of GHB in the baby stroller and approximately one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, and a small amount of crack cocaine in a baby’s lunch bag.



The accused was also found to be in possession of various drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a scale, baggies and score sheets (drug sales list).



Members from the EPS Child At Risk Response Team were immediately called to assist with the investigation, resulting in the apprehension of the accused’s 18-month-old child.



A 24-year-old woman is charged with possession (x1) possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2) and theft under $5,000 and breach of recognizance. She is also charged under the Child and Family Enhancement Act with Causing a Child to be In Need of Intervention and Child Endangerment.



The CAT deployments are part of the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy and have been successful in reducing crime and disorder in communities across the city. Stationed at City Centre Mall, the latest CAT deployment – being held March 18-21 – is focusing efforts on the inner-city.



For more information about the Community Action Team (CAT) and the Violence Reduction Strategy, please visit http://ift.tt/1t2coBg.

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Edmonton woman arrested, extradited from Germany in connection with online criminal harassment and threats investigation

An Edmonton woman wanted on multiple Canada-wide warrants for criminal harassment and uttering threats online is now in EPS custody, following her recent arrest by authorities in Germany.

Edmonton Police Service investigators were notified after Hana Sakkat, 38, was arrested on Jan. 18, 2015, by German Federal Police at Frankfurt International Airport.

Sakkat is accused of targeting several patrons of a local dance studio with online threats, defamatory comments and anti-Semitic views between October 2013 and October 2014. The threatening behavior is alleged to have continued, after Sakkat left Canada in May 2014, which led to the involvement of Interpol, the international police organization.



Investigators from EPS travelled to Germany and took custody of Sakkat on March 12, 2015, at which time she was successfully extradited to Edmonton.



Sakkat is charged with criminal harassment (x4), uttering threats (x5), fraud (x5) and breach of recognizance (x4). Sakkat will remain in custody until her bail hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2015.

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Police asking for tips in spree of mischief to vehicles

EPS Northeast Division investigators are asking the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of a suspect responsible for thousands of dollars in damage to more than 70 vehicles in north Edmonton.

Between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015, a suspect or suspects damaged more than 70 vehicles in the area between 43 and 66 Street, and 122 and 111 Avenue.

Investigators have been able to determine that the suspect(s) travelled throughout the Beacon Heights neighbourhood, crossed 50 Street into the Newton community and then south into the Highlands area. Vehicles appeared to be randomly targeted and the device used appears to be a blunt object of some kind.

The approximate estimated damages to the vehicles are in excess of $37,000. The majority of the damage is smashed windows. Investigators continue to gather evidence, speak to residents who live in the area and collect any possible video.

“This is incredibly irresponsible behaviour that has a huge impact on the community and has affected many residents,” says Const. Nikolas Pavlov, of Northeast Division. “We are asking the suspects to turn themselves in at Northeast Division, and perhaps the consequences for their criminal activity may be less severe than if they decide to not be accountable.”

Anyone with information that could help identify the suspect or suspects is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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