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Three Sault Ste. Marie residents have been charged by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Anti-Corruption Unit following an investigation that began in January 2020.
One of the accused is a former employee of the Canada Border Services Agency, states a news release issued today by the RCMP.
All three accused – [name removed - charges dismissed], John Von Stach, and Joseppiena Von Stach – are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Aug. 9.
Full text of the RCMP news release follows:
Following an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Anti-Corruption Unit, three residents of the Sault Ste. Marie area have been charged.
This concludes an extensive criminal investigation which first began in January 2020, after the RCMP received information regarding the alleged importation of an undervalued vehicle from the United States into Canada, involving three individuals including a former employee of the Canada Border Services Agency.
On June 7, 2021, the RCMP charged the following people in connection with this investigation:
[name removed - charges dismissed]:
• Breach of trust by public officer, contrary to the Criminal Code;
• Smuggling - into Canada, contrary to the Customs Act (two counts);
• Fraud against Her Majesty over $5,000, contrary to the Financial Administration Act;
• Permit a contravention of the Customs Act, contrary to the Financial Administration Act;
• Fail to report a contravention of the Customs Act, contrary to the Financial Administration Act;
• Conspire or collude with any other person to defraud, or make opportunity for any person to defraud Her Majesty, contrary to the Financial Administration Act
John Von Stach (52):
• Smuggling - into Canada, contrary to the Customs Act (three counts)
Joseppiena Von Stach (56):
• Smuggling - into Canada, contrary to the Customs Act (three counts)
All accused are scheduled to appear at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021.
The investigation is continuing and no further information will be disclosed at this time.
The RCMP would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Canada Border Services Agency for their contribution and assistance throughout the course of this investigation.
Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live, however your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more successful.
If you wish to report any type of criminality, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
Editor's note: The name of one of the accused has been removed as the charges against them have been dismissed.