THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – “The seizures stemming from this investigation illustrate the dangers to the entire community and the real potential for violence that is intrinsic to those persons involved in the drug culture. The RCMP remains committed to actively pursuing those persons involved in illegal drug activities at all levels,” stated S/Sgt. Bob Bergoine, Acting OIC of Windsor Detachment.
On December 13th, 2011, the Windsor RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) executed search warrants at a residence in Windsor, Ontario. During the execution of these search warrants, police located and seized approximately 2 kg of cannabis marihuana; 45 oxycodone pills; 34 codeine pills; approximately 3 grams of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), a loaded, sawed off .22 caliber rifle; 70 rounds of assorted ammunition; a functioning Stun gun; a butterfly knife, 43 cartons of illegal cigarettes and approximately $3800 in Canadian and US currency. Police also seized numerous printed images of child pornography as well as computer and electronic storage devices.
As a result of this investigation, 50 year old Dean Steptoe of Windsor, Ontario has been charged with numerous offences including three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Unlawfully Possess Unstamped Tobacco – section 32(1) Excise Act 2001 (EA 2001), Possession of Child Pornography – section 163.1(4) Criminal Code (CC), two counts of Breach of Probation – section 733.1(1) CC, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm – section 91(3) CC, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm While Prohibited – section 117.01(3) CC as well as numerous other drug, firearms and weapons related offences.
Steptoe appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice (Windsor) in response to a number of these charges on December 13th, 2011 and again on December 14th, 2011. The next court date is Monday, December 19th, 2011 at 0930hrs. At the time of these alleged offences Steptoe was bound by a Probation Order and a lifetime Weapons/Firearms Prohibition.
The RCMP investigation is continuing.