Stolen Wallet Leads to Bust-up of Theft Operation in Elk Point

Police busted an apparent theft operation, with family ties, in Elk Point following the theft of a wallet. RCMP have arrested and charged a mother, her son and a third individual. They also seized multiple weapons and break-and-enter tools after identifying a suspect using stolen credit and debit cards.

The Elk Point RCMP were investigating a theft of wallet from a vehicle in Elk Point that occurred on October 29th 2018. Later that day, the suspect was caught on surveillance using the stolen credit card and debit card and was arrested at his residence.

The Elk Point RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Elk Point and seized multiple weapons; including a sawed-off shotgun, a pellet gun, several prohibited weapons, and ammunition. They also seized break-and-enter tools, a stolen wallet, stolen ID & bank card, copper wire, and two masks.

Charged was mother-son Jennifer Gochko and Cormac Crawford, as well as Shea Ritter, all from Elk Point.

Crawford is suspected of being the male seen in the surveillance footage and has been charged with 29 offenses; including possession of prohibited weapons, possession property obtained by crime, and possession of weapons for dangerous purposes.

He was under conditions at the time of his arrest and has appeared in front of a Justice of the Peace. Crawford was released on several conditions and is due to appear at the St Paul Provincial Court on November 22^nd 2018.

Gochko & Ritter were both charged with 11 offenses; including possession of property obtained by crime, as well as identity theft and unsafe storage of firearms and ammunition.

Both released on several conditions and are due to appear at the St Paul Provincial Court on November 15th 2018.

The Elk Point RCMP are asking the public’s assistance for any information in relation to this incident. Please contact Elk Point RCMP at 780-724-3964 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”