Bait trap used to lay charges on 3 people in stolen property blitz

Smoky Lake RCMP has been involved in major property crime files recently, which is a focus of their operations. 

Several vehicles and ATVs were seized by RCMP after a bait trap operation netted multiple alleged criminals.

On Wednesday, May 14, a bait trap was used, tracking the coordinates back to a property in Kikino Metis Settlement. 

Authorities rallied the troops to access the property on Saturday, with Smoky Lake RCMP, as well as Lac La Biche RCMP, Athabasca RCMP Traffic Services, RCMP Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit and RCMP Police Dog Services. 

A total of five individuals were arrested. Two of which were the property owners, were released with charges pending. 

As a result of the search, the following items were seized:

• 3 stolen vehicles;
• 4 stolen ATVs;
• Multiple stolen tools and equipment; and
• A loaded STAG 10 carbine rifle.

As a result of the investigation, Tyler Deschambeau, 34, a resident of Lac La Biche, Rory Cardinal, 34, a resident of Kikino Metis Settlement and Tracey Whitford, 50, of no fixed address, were arrested and charged. 

They face charges of: Possession of stolen property over $5000, and two counts of Possession of unauthorized firearm. Additionally, Cardinal was charged with possession of a weapon contrary to court order.

Deschambeau, Cardinal and Whitford were brought before a justice of the peace. 

Deschambeau and Cardinal were remanded into custody to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville on Tuesday, while Whitford was released to appear before the court in Lac La Biche on June 9. 

“This file is a great reminder of how your Alberta RCMP can come together in order to help protect your property by arresting prolific property crime offenders,” said Sgt. Anita Doktor, Detachment Commander of the Smoky Lake RCMP. 

“Thanks to teamwork, investigational techniques and interagency cooperation, we are able to continuously provide a great service to our communities.”

Smoky Lake RCMP is encouraging the public to keep reaching out when goods are stolen and giving them information related to property crime or other criminal activity. 

Anyone with information regarding crime is asked to contact the Smoky Lake RCMP at 780-656-3550 or your local police.  If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.