News from Sault: Two Suspects in Stealing $800,000 Worth of Materials from Algoma Steel

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

The thefts began in July and continued until the two suspects in the case – aged 42 and 45 – were arrested on August 28.

The investigation began on August 27 when police received a report that someone was stealing materials from Algoma Steel at 100 West Street.

“The investigation revealed that (the first suspect) illegally entered the company’s premises seven times between July 15 and August 28,” police said in a press release on Thursday.

“On each of these occasions, the first suspect had stolen large quantities of material from the company.”

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

No details have been released about what exactly was stolen.

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

“During a subsequent investigation, the first suspect was found to be in possession of tools used to steal the material, pieces of the stolen material, receipts from the sale of the stolen material and approximately 29 grams of suspected cocaine,” police said.

Two vehicles have been seized.

“The Sault Ste. Marie Police Department would like to thank Algoma Steel for their cooperation during this investigation,” Chief Hugh Stevenson said in the release.

“After Algoma Steel reported significant thefts on their property, our team completed the investigation and arrested the two suspects on the scene, preventing another theft.”

“Algoma Steel appreciates the extensive, cooperative efforts of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, our internal security team and our third-party security partner to work together to protect our employees, property and our community,” said Mike Garcia, CEO of Algoma Steel.

The first suspect is accused of three counts of burglary, drug trafficking and multiple counts of theft and possession of property obtained by crime.

The second suspect is charged with burglary, possession of property obtained by crime and theft over $5,000.

Both suspects were being held pending a bail hearing.