On March 13, 2025, officers were dispatched to a residence in Coniston in relation to a Fraud. Information provided was that on March 10, 2025, a community member received a phone call from an individual claiming to be her grandson, stating that he had been in a collision and required a large amount of money to make bail. The community member agreed to an amount and an individual attended her residence to pick up the cash. On March 13, 2025, the community member received a second call from an individual claiming to be her grandson’s lawyer, stating that an addition lump sum of money was required for fees. The community member agreed to an amount and the same individual attended the residence to claim the cash.

Based on the investigation, officers identified the individual believed to be responsible for attending the residence on both occasions.

On March 15, 2025, 26-year-old, Sagar Sharma was arrested and charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada;

  • Personation with Intent x2
  • Fraud Over $5,000 x2

Sagar Sharma attended Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) Court on March 15, 2025, to answer to the charges.

Through the investigation, officers identified the individual believed to be responsible for collecting the money after it was picked up from the residence.

On March 16, 2025, 42-year-old, Benjamin Alexander was arrested and charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada;

  • Personation with Intent
  • Fraud Over $5,000
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime

Benjamin Alexander was held in police custody and will attend Bail Court today, March 17, 2025, to answer to the charges.

As a result of the investigation, it is believed that there may be additional victims of Fraud stemming from the actions of these individuals. Anyone with information related to these individuals or who has been a victim of a Fraud of a similar nature is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171.

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