The OPP”s Project Axle investigation has led to five arrests in Penetanguishene, Tiny, Bracebridge and North York.
It spanned multiple months involving over 16 separate thefts of various equipment across Muskoka, Simcoe County, and the Greater Toronto Area.
During this investigation, officers have recovered two skid steers, two float trailers, a Dodge 3500 pick-up truck, a zodiac with trailer and motor, as well as multiple universal keys for heavy equipment, off road vehicles, and personal water craft.
The suspects range in age from 35 to 50.
-Jason HOOLANS, 46, of the Town of Penetanguishene, was arrested on June 26, 2020 as well as in previous months. The below is a totality of his charges:
Five Counts Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Six Counts Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
11 Counts Theft Over $5000
Two Counts Mischief Under $5000
Seven Counts of Theft Under $5000
Two Counts Possession Break-in Instruments
Three Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Two Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Seven Counts of Theft Under $5000
Five Counts Fail to Comply with Undertaking
Two Counts Fail to Comply with Recognizance
Trespassing at Night
Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
-Justin ROBITAILLE (35) of Tiny Township, Ontario
Two Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Two Counts of Theft Under $5000
Theft Over $5000
Three Counts of Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Trespassing at Night
-Bradley ZAVALA (42) of North York, Ontario was previously charged with the following:
One Count of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
-Ina HOOLANS (39), of Penetanguishene, Ontario was previously charged with the following:
Four Counts Theft Over $5000
Two Counts Theft Under $5000
Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
Possession of Break In Tools
Four Counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
-Wesley THOMPSON (50), of Bracebridge, Ontario was previously charged with the following:
Two counts Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Two Counts Theft Under $5000
Two Counts Theft Over $5000
Break Enter Place and Commit Indictable Offence
This investigation was a collaborative effort between multiple units within the Ontario Provincial Police Central Region. It is believed that this investigation will continue to solve thefts throughout central region in the coming months.
Jason HOOLANS and Justin ROBITAILLE were held in custody pending an audio remand hearing held via video in the Town of Newmarket on June 27, 2020. The remainder of the accused are already before the courts.