Two charged with stealing $800K in materials from Algoma Steel

Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged two suspects last month with taking more than $800,000 worth of materials from Algoma Steel property.

The thefts began in July and continued until the two suspects in the case – ages 42 and 45 -- were arrested Aug. 28.

The investigation began Aug. 27 when police received a report that someone was stealing materials from Algoma Steel in 100 block of West Street.

"The investigation revealed (the first accused) had illegally entered the business’s property on seven occasions between July 15 … and Aug. 28," police said in a news release Thursday.

"On each of these occasions, the first accused had stolen large quantities of materials from the business."

Both suspects illegally entered the property Aug. 25 and stole a large quantity of material valued at approximately $200,000, police said.

No details have been released on exactly what was stolen.

The pair were arrested along the fence line at Algoma Steel on Aug. 28.

"A subsequent search found the first accused to be in possession of tools used to steal the material, pieces of the stolen material, receipts from having sold the stolen material, and approximately 29 grams of suspected cocaine," police said.

Two vehicles were seized.

"The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wants to thank Algoma Steel for its cooperation during this investigation," Chief Hugh Stevenson is quoted as saying in the release.

"After Algoma Steel reported significant thefts on their property, our team finalized the investigation and apprehended the two suspects on-site, preventing what was likely another theft."

• Download our app to get local alerts on your device
• Get the latest local updates right to your inbox

"Algoma Steel appreciates the extensive, cooperative efforts of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, our internal security team and our external security partner to collectively safeguard our employees, property and our community," Algoma Steel CEO Mike Garcia is quoted as saying.

The first suspect is charged with three counts of break and enter, drug trafficking and numerous counts of theft and possession of property obtained by crime.

The second suspect is charged with one count of break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime and theft more than $5,000.

Both accused were held pending a bail hearing.