(COCHRANE, ON) – The James Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with assistance from the OPP North East Region Crime Unit, has arrested and charged one individual in connection with a significant fraud and theft investigation involving a large industrial operation located northeast of Cochrane.
On January 30, 2025, police received a report from the organization regarding irregular purchasing activity involving a former employee. An internal audit revealed that, over a period of approximately 2.5 to 3 years, large quantities of building materials, tools, and electrical and plumbing equipment were fraudulently obtained through company purchasing channels and shipped offsite to North Bay for personal use.
A review of purchase orders and shipping documentation identified an estimated $500,000 in materials that were not used for legitimate operations.
As a result of the investigation, on February 17, 2026, police arrested Corey MACDONALD, 38 years of age, of North Bay.
The accused has been charged with:
- Fraud over $5000 – four counts
- Theft over $5000 – four counts
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cochrane on March 24, 2026.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
