‘PROJECT AXLE’ POLICE SWEEP LEADS TO MORE THEFT CHARGES
MUSKOKA — A major break and enter police investigation involving multiple vehicle thefts across Central Ontario and the GTA is now in the hands of the Crown.
Provincial police say the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) completed Project Axle, a probe that spanned multiple months involving thefts of various equipment across Muskoka, Simcoe County, and the Greater Toronto Area.
They say their ongoing investigation has cleared more than 16 different break, enter and thefts — most of them in Muskoka and Simcoe.
Police recovered two skid steers, two float trailers, a Dodge 3500 pick-up truck, a zodiac with trailer and motor, as well as multiple universal keys for heavy equipment, off road vehicles, and personal water craft.
On June 26 the Muskoka CSCU, the Southern Georgian Bay CSCU and Central Region ERT, executed multiple search warrants in the Southern Georgian Bay area. During these warrants, two males were arrested.
In addition to those arrests, several other arrests have also been made during the investigation.
The following persons have been charged as a result of this investigation:
- Wesley Thompson, age 50, of Bracebridge, was previously charged with the following:
Two counts Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Two Counts Theft Under $5000
Two Counts Theft Over $5000
Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
- Jason Hoolans, 46, of Penetanguishene, was arrested on June 26, as well as in previous months. He is charged with:
Five Counts Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Six Counts Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
11 Counts Theft Over $5000
Two Counts Mischief Under $5000
Seven Counts of Theft Under $5000
Two Counts Possession Break-in Instruments
Three Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Two Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Seven Counts of Theft Under $5000
Five Counts Fail to Comply with Undertaking
Two Counts Fail to Comply with Recognizance
Trespassing at Night
Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
- Justin Robitaille, 35, of Tiny Township, faces charges of:
Two Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Two Counts of Theft Under $5000
Theft Over $5000
Three Counts of Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Trespassing at Night
- Bradley Zavala, 42, of North York, was previously charged with:
One Count of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Ina Hoolans, 39, of Penetanguishene, was also previously charged with:
Four Counts Theft Over $5000
Two Counts Theft Under $5000
Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
Possession of Break In Tools
Four Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
Police say the investigation was a joint effort of multiple OPP units in its Central Region.
They expect this investigation will continue to solve thefts throughout central region in the coming months.
Jason Hoolans and Justin Robitaille were held in custody pending an audio remand hearing held via video in Newmarket June 27.
The other accused have already appeared in court.
