Police allege driver provided a false name, was found with cards in other names, and had outstanding warrants
KENORA — A Highway Traffic Act (HTA) traffic stop in Kenora has led to Criminal Code and provincial charges against a Manitoba resident.
Kenora Ontario Provincial Police say officers stopped a westbound vehicle on Highway 17A at about 10:45 a.m. on February 8, 2026, after observing an HTA infraction. Police allege the driver could not produce a driver’s licence or identification and provided a fictitious name and date of birth.
OPP say the driver was arrested for obstruction. Police further allege a search located several credit cards issued in other people’s names that had been reported lost or stolen, along with two provincial driver’s licences featuring the driver’s photo but showing two different names.
Police also report the accused had active property-crime warrants out of Barrie, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta, as well as an immigration warrant involving the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
As a result, Maverick OSAKWE, 19, of Manitoba has been charged with:
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Possession of property obtained by crime (x5)
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Obstruct justice (police typically lay this as obstruction of a peace officer)
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Impersonation with intent (fraudulent personation / identity fraud)
Additional HTA charges were also laid:
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Fail to surrender driver’s licence
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Dirty plate
The accused was held for a bail hearing on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Kenora.
All allegations have not been proven in court. The accused is presumed innocent.
What the Criminal Code charges mean and potential penalties
Criminal cases can proceed as summary conviction or by indictment for many “hybrid” offences, depending on the Crown’s election and the circumstances. Where an offence is prosecuted summarily and no different penalty is specified, the Criminal Code’s general summary penalty is up to a $5,000 fine and/or up to two years less a day in custody.
Possession of property obtained by crime (x5)
This offence applies when a person is alleged to have property (or proceeds of property) knowing it was obtained by crime.
Maximum penalties depend on the value of the property:
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If the value is more than $5,000: up to 10 years (if prosecuted by indictment)
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If the value is $5,000 or less: up to 2 years (if prosecuted by indictment)
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If prosecuted summarily: the general summary maximum can apply (up to $5,000 and/or two years less a day)
Because police laid five counts, each count can carry its own sentence—though judges often impose concurrentsentences for related conduct, depending on the facts.
Obstruction (obstructing a peace officer)
Police say the driver was arrested for obstruction after allegedly providing a false identity. The Criminal Code offence commonly used is obstructing a peace officer, which includes wilfully obstructing an officer in the lawful execution of duty.
Potential penalties:
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If prosecuted by indictment: up to 2 years in custody
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If prosecuted summarily: general summary maximum can apply (up to $5,000 and/or two years less a day)
Impersonation with intent (identity fraud / fraudulent personation)
This charge generally refers to fraudulently personating another person with an intent such as gaining an advantage, obtaining property, causing disadvantage, or avoiding arrest/prosecution.
Potential penalties:
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If prosecuted by indictment: up to 10 years in custody
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If prosecuted summarily: general summary maximum can apply (up to $5,000 and/or two years less a day)
Other outcomes a judge may consider (on conviction)
Depending on the facts and any prior record, a sentencing judge may also consider probation, restitution (where victims have financial losses), and orders dealing with seized items—in addition to custody or fines. (The actual sentence depends on what is proven and the Crown’s election.)
HTA charges and potential penalties
The two HTA allegations listed by police typically proceed under Ontario’s provincial offence system.
Fail to surrender driver’s licence (HTA s. 33(1))
Ontario’s set-fine schedule lists a set fine of $85 for “driver fail to surrender licence.”
If the matter goes to court and results in a conviction, and where no other penalty is provided, Ontario’s general HTA penalty allows a fine range of $60 to $1,000.
Dirty plate (HTA s. 13(2))
Ontario’s set-fine schedule lists a set fine of $85 for “dirty plate.”
If convicted in court, and where no other penalty is provided, the general HTA penalty can allow a fine range of $60 to $1,000.
(Provincial offence convictions are not Criminal Code convictions, but they can still carry fines, fees/surcharges, and collateral impacts such as driving-record and insurance consequences.)
