FRAUD FRIDAY: Residential Rental Scams

TB24050228 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has completed a search for evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an ongoing homicide investigation in the city. No new evidence was discovered as a result of this search. “Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.” The TBPS extends its ongoing support to Deborah’s family and community, mindful that this update may be painful and, for some, deeply traumatic. Throughout the course of this investigation, the TBPS investigative team has remained in close partnership with Deborah’s family and expresses sincere appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their steadfast support. The TBPS thanks the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service and the City of Thunder Bay for assistance with the search. This includes providing members to conduct searches, coordination support, PPE and a command post. The TBPS anticipates seeking provincial and federal assistance in cost recovery. The search began on Monday, September 22, 2025 and ended on November 21, 2025. This activity is inseparable from the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a tragedy in which Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks of violence and disappearance compared to non Indigenous women and girls. Anyone who may be affected by this development is encouraged to seek strength and guidance through family, Elders, or community based supports, including the resources listed below. This effort followed previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year and at the end of last year. An investigation into locating missing person Deborah Anishinabie was triggered in December 2024, before becoming a homicide investigation. Through the course of the investigation Levi Michael LAWSON was charged with Indignity to a Human Body and Second Degree Murder in relation to the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . Support resources: • Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997 • Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840 • NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673) • Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816 • Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383 • Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051

TB25049002, TB25048804, TB25047495, TB25049068 An investigation into multiple break and enters at a local business on the city’s south end has led to charges. On December 16, officers on patrol responded to a report of a break and enter taking place at a business on James Street South around 1:40 a.m. A pedestrian in the area saw two people breaking into a business. Responding officers found that one of the windows of the front door of the business had been broken and merchandise was stolen. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. The Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Further investigation led to two suspects being located and arrested later that same day. The investigation determined that the suspects were involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between December 3, and December 16. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Megan Towedo from Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x4 32-year-old Dakota Sagutch from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x3 • Breach of Probation x4 The accused remain in custody with future court dates.