UMVA has learned that a daring robbery at a BMO branch in Hamilton's East Mountain area has led to firearm-related charges and other offences for a man and a woman from Hamilton.
The brazen heist occurred on May 6 around 1:45 p.m., when a masked male allegedly entered the bank near the intersection of Fennell and Upper Ottawa St. and threatened staff while claiming to possess a firearm before fleeing from the area.
Investigators executed a search warrant at an East Mountain residence on Tuesday and made a stunning discovery: two loaded prohibited firearms, extended firearm magazines, about 300 g of methamphetamine, and currency believed to be proceeds of crime.
Joseph Martineau, 58, and Lisa Kerchener, 51, both of Hamilton, are charged with multiple counts, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, and knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm.
The pair also faces charges of possession of a prohibited weapon and proceeds of crime over $5,000, as well as one count each of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 44-year-old Hamilton man has been charged with numerous drug- and weapon-related offences after officers allegedly observed suspected drug trafficking near city hall in downtown Hamilton.
Hamilton Police said members of the Division 10 HEAT Unit were conducting proactive patrols in the area when they observed a male allegedly selling drugs from a parked vehicle.
Officers approached the vehicle, arrested the suspect, and made a significant seizure: a 12-gauge shotgun with a modified stock, shotgun ammunition, a 9mm Glock handgun magazine, a digital scale containing drug residue, a spring-loaded extendable baton, and throwing knives.
The accused faces charges including careless use, storage, and transportation of a firearm; possession of a firearm; failure to comply with probation; possession for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of a prohibited weapon.
In another case, a 37-year-old Niagara Falls man is facing charges of sexual exploitation and sexual assault after allegations were raised by a young person.
The suspect, who owns a driving school and is employed as a driving instructor for four other driving schools throughout the region, allegedly committed unwanted physical contact for a sexual purpose during a driving lesson.
Nithin Peter Bennis was arrested and charged, and detectives believe there could be more victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers to help bring these cases to justice.
