Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026

TB25005649


A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges.
 
The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay.
 
An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member.
 
Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed.
 
No documentation of the injuries was located by officers.
 
The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries.
 
The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation.
 
As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code.
 
Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with:
 
• Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code 
• Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code
 
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
 
Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
 
For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors

Fraud Friday: Driveway Paving Scam

June 5, 2026
With the first day of Summer just around the corner, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is warning residents about driveway paving scams. Although TBPS has not received any reports of driveway paving scams so far this year, other police services in Ontario have. Residents are urged to be cautious of individuals posing as legitimate contractors offering unsolicited paving services. These individuals often claim to have “leftover asphalt” from another job and offer discounted, same day work. They may also push for cash only payments or use high pressure tactics to secure quick agreements. These offers frequently result in poor quality work, inflated prices, or unfinished jobs, with the individuals leaving the area shortly afterward. Residents are encouraged to: • Request written estimates and contracts before agreeing to any work • Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 or online at www.p3tips.com .

Missing Person: Jayla DEVENTE, 15

June 5, 2026
TB26021102 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Jayla DEVENTE. Jayla was last seen on June 3, 2026, around 3:30 PM. DEVENTE is described as a white female, standing 5’5”, weighing approximately 160 lbs, with long dark brown and burgundy hair, and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black Adidas sweater and grey sweatpants. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation results in seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms

June 3, 2026
TB26020832 and TB26020814 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms. As part of the investigation, the Emergency Task Unit and Intelligence Unit searched two homes on Finlayson Street. During the searches suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and two guns were seized. The total street value of the drugs is approximately $19,755. As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old David CAKE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (six counts) Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm (two counts) Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts) Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts) Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo Douglas SHAFRANSKI, a 47-year-old from Thunder Bay, and Saceriya MOHAMED, a 31-year-old of Toronto, are also facing the following charges: Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid CAKE was remanded into custody following his first court appearance. SHAFRANSKI and MOHAMED were both released from custody with a future court date.