Police charge 13 amid investigation of fraudulent cheques

NEWS RELEASE
THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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An ongoing police investigation into the cashing of $70,000 in fake cheques has led to 13 people being arrested and charged.

In January members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crimes Unit began investigating complaints of forged cheques, made to look like they were from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, being cashed.

In total, 55 forged cheques were found to have been fraudulently cashed.

Through a lengthy and thorough investigative process, Economic Crimes investigators were able to identify a number of suspects. As of this date – Tuesday, June 30, 2020 – police have arrested and charged 13 of the suspects identified through this investigation.

Arrested and charged include:

Audrey Lucille MICHANO, 58, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Over $5,000

Bridget Dolly BLAIS, 53, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000
• Breach of Probation

Valentino COSTA, 21, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

Colton HERNESHUHTA, 21, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000
• Breach of Probation

James Tyler HUBBARD, 31, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

Meagan Justine MATSON, 35, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000
• Breach of Probation

Dustin Riley James O’NABIGON, 18, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

Elaine Ashlee MICHANO, 39, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000
• Breach of Probation

George Gregory MICHANO, 45, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

Jack Richard MILLER, 51, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000
• Breach of Probation

A 17-year-old male, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

A 17-year-old male, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

A 17-year-old male, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Use Forged Document
• Fraud Under $5,000

Youths charged cannot be identified in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The investigation remains ongoing and further charges may still be pending.