NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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WASAGA BEACH - In 2013, the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) became aware of a number of complaints involving the former Watts Funeral Home which operated funeral-related services in Wasaga Beach, Midland and Penetanguishene.
The investigation, which was carried out by members of the Huronia West OPP Crime Unit was conducted in conjunction with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) and identified 86 victims who, collectively, were defrauded of almost $400,000. The BAO has since been able to reimburse all the victims who had initially sustained losses.
On Thursday March 29, 2018, the investigation culminated with the arrest of 52-year-old Darrin Watts of Newmarket, Ontario. The former Wasaga Beach resident has been charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000, Contrary to Section 380(1)(a), Criminal Code of Canada (2 Counts)
- Theft over $5,000, Contrary to Section 334(a), Criminal Code of Canada (2 Counts)
- Use, Deal, Act Forged Documents, Contrary to Section 368(1)(a), Criminal Code of Canada
- Criminal Breach of Trust, Contrary to Section 336, Criminal Code of Canada.
He was held for a Bail Hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie and is scheduled to appear next at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Collingwood on May 1, 2018.
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