Two men from York Region are among three adults and two young offenders facing charges in connection to a joint Niagara Regional Police and OPP investigation of thefts of catalytic converters in Smithville and Caledon.
Detectives at the Grimbsy detachment of the Niagara force began investigating last June after thefts of catalytic converters in the Smithville area. The investigation expanded into a joint investigation with OPP Caledon detectives.
[Name removed]* of Thornhill is charged with: break and enter (two counts); possess property obtained by crime; and possess break and enter tools.
Richard Molina-Lopez, 20, of Richmond Hill is charged with: break and enter (two counts); possess property obtained by crime; possess break and enter tools; and fail to comply with probation order (two counts).
Also arrested is Tomaso Montleone, 21, of York, who is charged with break and enter (two counts); possess property obtained by crime; and possess break and enter tools.
A 17-year-old male from York is charged with break and enter (two counts); possess property obtained by crime; and possess break and enter tools.
All were released on a form 10 - undertaking with a future court date.
A warrant has been issued for a 17-year-old male from York wanted for: break and enter (two counts); possess property obtained by crime; possess break and enter tools; and fail to comply with probation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, ext. 1002200.
*Editor's Note, April 12, 2024: The name of the individual charged has been removed from the article due to withdrawal of all charges in court.
