Sexual Assault

               On May 28, 2015, Constable Pascal Rossignol pleaded guilty to five Criminal Code offences in Valleyfield, Quebec Provincial Court.

Constable Rossignol had been on trial for ten charges involving sexual offences with persons under the age of 18.

On October 13, 2010 an allegation was made to the Cornwall Community Police who referred the matter to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). SIU determined that the alleged offences occurred in the Province of Québec and subsequently the investigation was referred to the Sûreté du Québec, Professional Standards Division. The charges were laid as a result of a 2-year long investigation by Sureté du Quebec’s Professional Standards Bureau.

Constable Rossignol pleaded guilty to three counts of Sexual Exploitation and two counts of Procuring Sexual Services from a person under 18 years of age.

Constable Rossignol will be sentenced in Valleyfield, Quebec Provincial Court on September 17, 2015.

Constable Rossignol was under paid suspension from his duties as a police officer while awaiting trial.

Effective May 28, 2015 Constable Rossignol has resigned his position as a police officer and is no longer a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 14-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on May 31^st, 2015 and charged with breaching his recognizance for being out past curfew. It is alleged that on May 31^st, 2015 the youth was out past his curfew and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the youth was located at a Second Street East address, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

BREAK AND ENTER, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Two 14-year-old Cornwall youths were arrested and charged with break and enter and one youth was also charged with breach of recognizance for being in a residence while an adult is not present. It is alleged on May 31^st, 2015 the two youths entered an Alice Street residence and removed property that did not belong to them. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the two were taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. Their names were not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

BREAK AND ENTER TO COMMIT ROBBERY, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Philip Collins, 52 and Kyle Delorme, 22 both of Cornwall were arrested on June 1^st, 2015 and charged with break and enter to commit robbery while Delorme was also charged with breaching two probation orders for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on May 25^th, 2015 the two men forced their way into a Park Street residence and demanded money from the occupants prior to leaving with a quantity of cash. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On June 1^st, 2015 during their investigation the two men were located by police, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Therar Hussein, 36 of Newmarket was arrested on June 2^nd, 2015 and charged with possession of a controlled substance, breach of two probation orders for failing to keep the peace and recognizance for being in possession of a controlled substance. It is alleged during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of June 2^nd, 2015 the man was found to be in possession of a quantity of crystal meth. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

CORNWALL Ontario – Cornwall City Councilor Robert Brock Frost seems to no longer be an agent with Storm Realty in Cornwall Ontario.

On Social media it was claimed that the alleged fraudster and current Cornwall City Councilor  was starting a new enterprise in Ottawa where he now claims to live.

The councilor is embroiled in charges of fraud and forgery issued from Levis Quebec in relation to his ownership of the Cornwall River Kings.

Mr. Frost is still being pursued by Al Hatset over his near $1M missing funds over a real estate deal in Nicaragua.

Brock also has several outstanding lawsuits including from this newspaper.

If you have any interesting Brock Frost stories to share please email info@cornwallfreenews.com

CFN called Storm Realty today and was given a no comment response via phone.   Mr. Frost is no longer listed in the websites list to their team.

CORNWALL Ontario – You can’t make stuff like this up.   You really can’t.  Adam Brazeau seems to be a very confused young man?

The journalist at the TC media owned Seaway News sent a legal letter to yours truly today after we outed his over the line behaviour to a former Journalism class mate hours before appearing at an event to support awareness of Sexual Assault and Abuse.

When his victim rejected his coarse comment Mr. Brazeau typed “LOL” and then after hitting a question mark twice blocked the victim so that she couldn’t contact him any further.  It almost looked like he was embarrassed and ran away.

Instead of apologizing to his victim, even after she brought this story to CFN, he took to whining on facebook as though he himself were the victim.

Mr. Brazeau was sent an email and facebook message offering him an opportunity to deny or respond prior to the publication of the story.  He did not respond to either.

Today his action was to send an email threatening what seems to clearly be legal action to yours truly.

This was a highly private and confidential Conversation.

It was a conversation that Mr. Brazeau’s victim chose to go public with and which we published because frankly sexual abuse, and assault, is a huge issue in this community.  She supplied ten screen caps of their conversation and we published the ones that were relevant to his comment and the story.

The letter was cc’d to his manager, Rick Shaver via the TC Media internal mail system.

While Mr. Brazeau’s words were harsh, coarse, and ugly; those words said to a woman who may have already have been sexually assaulted could only amplify their volume.

Today in discussion with the victim she said that she felt that she was being re-victimized again.   She also confirmed that Mr. Brazeau had not contacted her since the incident to apologize or otherwise.

CFN spoke with Angela Vinet of SASS, the group that the event was for, who said that she’d read the article and would distance herself from the story although she did send an email afterwords distancing herself from her distancing comment.  Nearly 24 hours later she still has not responded to our request for an email statement.

When CFN originally  interviewed the victim we had asked her why she was choosing to stay anonymous and her answer was echoed in the comments of our original story and by comments seen by Mr. Brazeau’s friends and supporters.

Is there any wonder why so few women step forward?

What do you think dear CFN viewers? You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario – He must need the last two pay cheques as embattled, litigated, and under investigated Cornwall Ontario City Councilor Robert Brock Frost is said to be resigning in Cornwall area media as of July 1st.

BROCK FROST STORIES ON CFN.

He has been quoted as saying that he’s moving to Ottawa to start a new business.

He proved that buying votes works in Cornwall, from buying the River Kings to donating cash all over the place.

Councilor Frost had stated that he was going to give his council salary go to local charity.  No word on if he will still donate a cheque to cover the full amount for his full term?

We will update the story as more information becomes available.

CORNWALL Ontario – CFN reached former City Councilor Denis Carr in Newcastle UK today and asked him if he was prepared to serve again after the announcement of Brock Frost’s resignation.

He took a moment from the family trip to share that he would be prepared to discuss it as he’d have to adjust some of his other commitments.     Carr is President of the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce and still leads Heart of the City.

He finished twelfth in the 10 person race for City Councilor.   Guy St. Jean, who finished 11th, moved to the US with his husband this disqualifying him for consideration.

According to the Municipal Act Council has the option of offering the seat to someone that offered themselves for office, usually the next on the list, or calling a by election.

His son Jamie Carr, former local Corus radio announcer added that he’d be proud and happy to see his dad serve again and proud and happy if he didn’t.

Carr would be replacing Brock Frost who is resigning as of July 1st according to media reports after multiple scandals and lawsuits. (none of which have been proven in court except the one lawsuit he issued but forgot to serve against the editor of CFN which he has to pay costs for)

CORNWALL Ontario – What about Bob?    Is he coming back?  Is Cornwall turning into a George Romero movie?

Leslie O’Shaughnessy is one bad poker player.

In other media reports he stated that he had a legal opinion on his Conflict of Interest incident and that he’d be getting a second opinion.

Legal opinions are expensive.  Generally you don’t go for a second unless you didn’t like the first.   He also stated he’d be having a Press Conference with selected media specifically excluding the largest media outlet in this city, owned by yours truly.   That conference never happened.

The municipal act clearly states that if you have an opening you run with someone that offered themselves for the office or call a by election.    The city has generally followed that path.

Kilger rammed through a new procedural by law to change that (the Mark MacDonald by law) but many legal minds have said it would never pass the stink test and could cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in court.

Bob finished second.    The question has been his health.  For example our t shirt law suit has been adjourned because of his health and if he’s too ill to attend court is he healthy enough to take on the role of mayor again?

Looking at the make up of this council and some of what’s gone on it’s a distinct possibility that Bob may be back as early as next Monday night’s meeting.   He’s been seen in Cornwall recently and is getting an honourary plug at St. Lawrence College on Friday (For chem tanks and waterfront development? )

One source stated that one of the reasons that Brock Frost is stepping down is that Kilger would not have him on his council and wanted Denis Carr and one of his other stooges back, most likely Glen Grant.

Elaine MacDonald looks to be left out of the equation which would give her much more time to lobby for her favorite causes like the Agape Centre, flying kites, turning seniors apartments into condos, and destroying 33 year old public art galleries.

City Hall is staying mum as events unfold.  It certainly has been an eventful first year of the term to date from the National exposure of shutting down a beautiful family ice rink at Christmas to the Brock Frost circus and other events.

In a normal situation none of this could possibly happen, but this is Cornwall Ontario we’re talking about so it’s probably already signed and delivered.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?  Are you ready for more of the Bob Kilger show?   You can post your comments below.

THEFT OVER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – John Borrens, 41 of Ottawa was arrested on June 3^rd, 2015 and charged with theft over $5000 and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. He was also charged with breaching a recognizance for failing to keep the peace and being in a jewellery store. It is alleged that on April 10^th, 2015 the man entered a local jewellery store and removed two rings making no attempt to pay for the items as he left the store. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On June 3^rd, 2015 a member of the Cornwall Community Police Service attended the Cornwall Courthouse as the man was in custody on an unrelated matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and remained in custody for a bail hearing.

ASSAULT

Cornwall, ON – An 18-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on June 3^rd, 2015 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on June 3^rd, 2015 the man pushed his 19-year-old girlfriend and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – William Kingston, 68 of Sainte Genevieve, Quebec was arrested on June 3^rd, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged in 2008 the man defrauded a business on two occasions and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation a warrant was issued for his arrest. On June 3^rd, 2015 the man was located at a Marlborough Street address, taken into custody on the strength of a warrant and held for a bail hearing.

THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Jonathan Deruchie, 41 of Cornwall was arrested on June 3^rd, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000 and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 3^rd, 2015 the man removed meat from a business on Second Street East and made no attempt to pay for the items as he left the store. The man fled the scene after a brief struggle with the Loss Prevention Officer and police were contacted. He was located at a short distance away, taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on July 23^rd, 2015.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – David Drew, 55 of Cornwall was arrested on June 3^rd, 2015 and charged with breaching his probation for being outside after he has consumed alcohol and failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 3^rd, 2015 the man was causing a disturbance at the corner of Third Street and Pitt Street and police attended to investigate. Once on scene police the intoxicated man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and later released to appear in court on July 23^rd, 2015.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Lise Dufresne, 48 of Cornwall was arrested on June 2^nd, 2015 on the strength of warrants. It is alleged that on April 13^th, 2015 the woman made no attempt to pay for a bicycle as she left a Ninth Street store and on April 23^rd, 2015 the woman failed to appear for prints on an unrelated matter. An investigation ensued and warrants were issued for her arrest. On June 2^nd, 2015 the woman was located at a McConnell Avenue residence taken into custody on the strength of the warrants and held for a bail hearing.

OPP

ASSAULT INVESTIGATION

(South Glengarry) – On May 31, 2015 at approximately 3:10am, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a report of an assault at a property on 3rd Line Road, South Glengarry Township. Investigation indicated that an adult male had been assaulted while attending a gathering. He was taken to hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries.

An investigation continues.

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION ON THE ABOVE OR ANY CRIME IS ASKED TO CALL SD&G OPP AT 1-888-310-1122 OR CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-222-8477.

EXCESSIVE SPEED

(North Glengarry) – On June 2, 2015 at approximately 8:40pm, an SD&G OPP officer conducting speed measuring enforcement intercepted a vehicle travelling 133km/h (80 km/h zone) on County Road 24, North Glengarry Township. The 23-year-old female driver from North Glengarry Township was charged with;

– Stunt Driving (Highway Traffic Act)

Her driver’s permit and vehicle were seized for seven days as per legislation.

 POLICE CHARGE PERTH MAN WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENCES

(PERTH, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit, Technological Crime Unit, Lanark County Detachment and the RCMP’S National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre have arrested and charged a Perth man following a two month child pornography investigation.

On June 2, 2015 police executed a search warrant at a Perth residence after receiving information that an individual at that residence had shared child abuse images over the Internet.  As a result of this investigation, three computers and external media were seized which contained images of child sexual abuse.

On June 2, 2015, police arrested Michael Cavanaugh TURNER, 30 years-old of Perth, Ontario.  He is charged with one count each of Making Child Pornography, Possessing Child Pornography and Distributing Child Pornography.  Turner will appear for a bail hearing on June 4 in the Ontario Court of Justice in Smith Falls, Ontario.

CORNWALL Ontario – In an odd twist of events the City Report from staff to council to be presented Monday night excludes The Art Gallery of Cornwall.  The city’s 33 year old public gallery was left off of the report to council of groups to confer with regarding the city spending $50,000 on a study for the creation of an art centre.

TAG Cornwall has been the centre of Art in Cornwall for decades, but saw its funding cut to zero this year with many citing a clear predjudice of council against some of the board members.

MacDonald and Hebert are both past Presidents of TAG Cornwall and under scrutiny themselves including by Cornwall Community Police for their activities while on the board.

If you can’t or won’t support your Public Gallery how on earth will you be able to support a much larger facility?  The cost of TAG has ranged from $56K to $70K per year which is a meagre and miserly amount of money if the city actually gave more than lip service to the arts.

The Arts Collective?  Who are they?

Cornwall does need to invest more in the Arts, but if you don’t support your own Art Assets does it make any sense to build more?  For what purpose?

Sadly the snickerdoodle on council will giggle about spending the money that should have been given to TAG to actually support Artists which will be spent on a study that will never amount to anything.

It’s time to support Artists and the Arts instead of bureaucrats and consultants.

On a sad note it’s disheartening to see both  Stephen Alexander & Christine Lefebvre end their long careers with such a report as both are retiring.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?  You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario – They say that drugs cause short term memory loss.   I’m not sure if that is true…..what was I writing about?    OH, embattled and full of um, pure sweet sorrow, Cornwall City Councilor Brock Frost, or Robert Brock Frost, or Keller Williams Sales Agent R. Brock Frost; when he sued yours truly forgot to serve his lawsuit.

In a similar act he announced he was resigning in area media, but forgot to actually…um…resign….makes ya wonder what the councilor is growing in his back yard in Long Sault?

In February of this year I made a conscious decision to move to Ottawa to pursue better business opportunities in real estate. I signed papers for a condo on February 25th, completed my Broker course on April 23rd, officially moved to Ottawa on May 1st and resigned from Storm Realty on May 4th (to be effective as of June 1st).

I had full intentions of finishing out my term on Council….until recently.

The past few months, and more so the past few weeks, have truly solidified my reason for moving. Put bluntly, I have no more time or energy to deal with the incessant drama, gossip and online rhetoric that has become to define the City of Cornwall.

This was the right move for me and I am extremely happy for the decision I made today.

Thank you once again to all my supporters, you know who you are. Because of you all, I leave Cornwall with a feeling of pure sweet-sorrow.

The whine was shared in multiple media sources and social media.

Acting Clerk (the nice one) Manon Levesque today clearly and categorically declared that Mr. Frost had not resigned before Helen Finn went on vacation and had not resigned to her.   There is an actual process which Mr. Frost may not be aware of?

Has Brock had a change of heart?   Is he going to stick it to the voters of Cornwall for the balance of the term (unless he becomes incarcerated or loses all of his Cornwall real estate?)

We would have asked Mr. Frost for comment but he managed to get a CCPS officer to lean on us and this being Cornwall…..

So we thought we’d let CFN viewers vote on whether Brock should stay or go?

CORNWALL Ontario –  Shades of Bob Kilger last night at City Council.  Oddly enough both the Seaway News and that wacky Bill Kingston reported on Mayor O’Shaughnessy’s comments regarding a CFN story  yet never reported that the Mayor and Councilors Elaine MacDonald and Carilyne Hebert were served prior to a council meeting (May 25th) with Conflict of Interest lawsuits?   That’s hard news reporting (he typed in gest), no?  Even the Freeholder reported that the Mayor had been served.   The irony is that in both pieces neither Lihou or Kingston report why the Mayor is responding in the first place.

“Somebody seems to be able to report things that carry no validity…and it goes unchallenged,” the mayor stated.

That’s a very odd statement, and frankly feels quite defamatory.   CFN has a clear process.  Even Bob Kilger sent a statement regarding an issue that we printed in full last term.  We have a real comments section too.

If Mayor O’Shaughnessy really felt that way a quick email or phone call could assuage any possible issue, but frankly is there an issue?  Nor has there been any communication requesting a correction or retraction, nor has there been a statement from our Mayor that he was not in conflict.

Les still has not had that press conference that he said I couldn’t attend.  He still has not given a statement regarding his Conflict of Interest.  He’s had at least two legal opinions.   He has three clear choices.   Do the right thing and resign, drag it out as long as he can if he feels he’s guilty, or if he really thinks he’s innocent, fight the suit.

Only the first will ultimately save tax payers money.     He stated in an interview that he would pay his own legal bill, but as we’re seeing in the Kilger suit(s) it sure doesn’t look like the mayor will be paying his own way.

MacDonald and Hebert have not issued a statement either.    Essentially if you only read the Seaway News or missed the Freeholder or CFN’s coverage you wouldn’t even know that there is a clear Conflict of Interest lawsuit based on the events that occurred in council that were captured by the city’s own video.

It’s time that instead of silly quotes like the one above that Mayor O’Shaugnessy spoke to the issue publicly so that Cornwall taxpayers truly understand what’s going on.  After all, rumors do get rampant when you’re not transparent or accountable as the Mayor and his two councilors are being in this situation.

Brock Frost missed council last night.   No word on his resignation, but the buzz from City Hall is that Councilor Frost is now stating that his emails were hacked and his statement published by both the Seaway News & that Wacky Bill Kingston were not from him.    This rumor has not been confirmed and seems almost as weird as Frost’s claim of me making sexual advances on him at a sales meeting.

What an odd bunch we have elected to run Cornwall.

As I ran for mayor last term I was asked by a prominent lawyer recently what I’d do with the Frost mess if I’d been elected.

I’m a firm believer in that when you are elected it’s for leadership and not the ability to hire consultants.

I’m also a firm believer in “Lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way.”

I think that our council should be asking Mr. Frost to step away until he can resolve his public legal messes without pay.   Council can run on 9 (frankly it might help) until the issue is resolved.

Of course council cannot force that, but it can remove Mr. Frost from all committees until he’s been tried.

I mean if someone is accused of being a pedophile would you still let them work with kids while their case worked through the legal system?

Fraud and Forgery allegations are very serious charges.   Access to detailed private city information with those hanging over like a stink cloud just don’t have good optics.

Ultimately it’s not good for our city.   Someone that actually cared about Cornwall would get that.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Jonathan Seguin, 28 of Cornwall was arrested on June 9^th, 2015 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged on May 28^th, 2015 the man failed to attend court for breach charges and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On May 9^th, 2015 the man was located at his residence, taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Jason Lewis, 43 of Cornwall was arrested on June 9th, 2015 and charged with two counts of breach of probation for being in the company of someone that he has conditions not to associate with and failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 9^th, 2015 police attended a Pitt Street address for an unwanted person call and found the intoxicated man breaching his conditions. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held in custody.

ASSAULT, BREACH, MISCHIEF

Cornwall, ON – A 20-year-old Cornwall woman was arrested on June 9^th, 2015 and charged with assault while her 20-year-old boyfriend also from Cornwall was arrested and charged with mischief and breach of probation for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged during an argument on June 9^th, 2015 the woman punched her boyfriend in the head and he damaged cupboard doors. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation both were taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. Their names were not released as it would identify the victim in the assault.

ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON

Cornwall, ON – A 54-year-old Cornwall woman was arrested on June 8^th, 2015 and charged with assault with a weapon. It is alleged during an argument on June 8^th, 2015 the woman struck her 53-year-old husband in the face with her keys and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the woman was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. Her name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Travis Moore, 22 of Cornwall was arrested on June 8^th, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000 and breach of undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 3^rd, 2015 the man entered a Fifth Street West store and removed a t-shirt making no attempt to pay for the item as he left the store. He was stopped by staff members and fled the scene. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On June 8^th, 2015 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on July 23^rd, 2015.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Starr Hill, 24 of Akwesasne was arrested on June 8^th, 2015 and charged with breaching her recognizance for failing to sign in at police headquarters and failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 1^st, 2015 the woman failed to sign in as directed and an investigation ensued. On June 8^th, 2015 the woman attended police headquarters and was taken into custody. She was charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 30^th, 2015.

THREATS, ASSAULT

Cornwall, ON – A 48-year-old Cornwall woman was arrested on June 8^th, 2015 and charged with two counts of threats and one count of assault. It is alleged between June 6th and June 7^th, 2015 the woman pushed and threatened to harm her 57-year-old boyfriend. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the woman was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. Her name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

OPP

DRUGS SEIZED AT TRAFFIC STOP

(South Glengarry) – On June 9, 2015 at approximately 1:06am, a Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer intercepted a vehicle on Highway 401, South Glengarry Township. The stop resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected marihuana.

The male driver, Adam MACISAAC (18) of South Frontenac Township, Ontario was arrested and charged with;

– Possession of a Controlled Substance

He was released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Alexandria at a later date.

DANGEROUS OPERATION OF A VEHICLE

(North Dundas) – On June 6, 2015 at approximately 12:30am, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a fail to remain motor vehicle collision on County Road 7, North Dundas Township. Investigation indicated that a vehicle had been driven in a dangerous manner and collided with another vehicle and left the scene. No injuries resulted.

Coady FINDLAY (23) of South Dundas Township, Ontario was arrested and is charged with;

– Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

He was released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Morrisburg on July 7, 2015.

MAN FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES (update)

(North Stormont) –  ‎Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a man involved in an incident which occurred on Sixth Road, North Stormont Township on June 6, 2015 at approximately 2:05am.

Officers attempted to stop a pick-up truck on Sixth Road, North Stormont Township being driven by the accused in relation to a criminal investigation. The driver failed to stop and officers followed the fleeing suspect vehicle with emergency equipment activated. The suspect vehicle left the roadway‎ and rolled over.

Steven CHARETTE (25) from Ottawa, Ontario was arrested and taken to hospital with moderate injuries. He was charged on June 7, 2015 with‎;

– Assault
– Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm
– Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
– Flight while Pursued by Peace Officer
– Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon
– Fail to Comply with Recognizance (3 counts)

He was held in custody pending an appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall today (08Jun15).

The OPP has notified the province’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) which has invoked its mandate. Any other inquiries should be directed to SIU communications at 416-622-2342.

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [HAWKESBURY] This Week in Policing 2015-06-08

CORNWALL Ontario – Apologies for not writing as much as I normally do for the last while.    I was in mourning.

My beloved dog Melly passed away a week ago Saturday.

She was one of the greatest relationships in my life.    She was always there, and always will be.  Sadly she succumbed to Cancer in her 14th year.    It was a beautiful day and she’s now buried under a marble angel.

Losing a loved one always helps put things into a better perspective.  At least for me.    There’s a lot to put into perspective in this wacky town.

Honestly how can we ever expect to attract good new business and talent to Cornwall when we run our affairs as council is doing at City Hall.

You have the Brock Frost drama.    Todd Lihou, late the circus, wrote a piece about Frost leaving.   As usual he missed the boat writing about Frost moving to Ottawa when he didn’t realize that Frost didn’t live in Cornwall to start, but Long Sault.   Todd’s not big on facts or fact checking.  He appears to have missed what would be front page news in 100% of the cities, the Mayor and two councilors being served with papers for being in Conflict of Interest.

The irony is that Lihou has written about Mayor Leslie O’Shaugnessy’s bizarre complaint at the last council meeting about rumors of resignation; something that this media or any other news outlet had not suggested that he had ever stated or shared.

Here is a quote from an article that included an interview with Mayor O’Shaughnessy that appeared in the Freeholder.

“Contacted immediately after Monday’s meeting, O’Shaughnessy said he would be making a public statement on the complaint.

Later on Wednesday he explained that he had solicited a legal opinion on Tuesday, and was seeking a second opinion on Thursday, with the intention of holding a press conference for “selected” media that would not include Gilcig, the owner of the Cornwall Freenews.

O’Shaughnessy also said that any legal expenses incurred as a result of his potential defense would not be billed to city taxpayers.”

That was an odd mess to shart to the media.  First off, do you really get a second opinion if you are happy with the first?

Did Mayor O’Shaughnessy or any of the council consult with the Ontario Commissioner for Conflict of Interest?   The answer I believe would be negative because the website of the commissioner clearly has examples that would show that it would be conflict to participate or influence in a financial decision related to a body that is asking council for cash.

Also, the city wasn’t served by myself, but the individuals.   Why should tax payers foot the bill.  Likewise if for some reason Council decided to pay for any legal services for Les, Elaine, and Cari, then shouldn’t they foot the bill for myself?

Friday I was served a nasty letter stated WITH PREJUDICE from David Sherriff Scott of the City’s law firm, BLG.

This is going to be an expensive rodeo that you will be paying for.

When emailed asking to confirm if he was representing the city or the individuals writing the cheque Mr. Scott clearly refused to answer with a yes or no.   I actually wrote to him that if he was billing the city that I would hope the series of emails from Friday would not be billed!

The letter confirmed some facts which I had either missed or were never related to the public.

Akwesasne apparently didn’t kick in a dime to the first Benson University study.   It was only the city, the counties, and the EOTB run by Denis Thibault who back in 2013 stood up as a councilor supporting this initiative.

THE EOTB is run by provincial tax dollars.    While not in conflict it certainly feels incestuous.

That study, which was not delivered after one year, or two, but three did not deliver.   But the group came back with a new plan and again asked for hard cash.

And at that council meeting Councilor David Murphy recused himself as he works for Benson’s.  Carilyne Hebert recused herself clearly stating that she was on the steering committee, only to be dissuaded by Mayor O’Shaughnessy who spoke to the matter about his own voting and Councilor Elaine MacDonald who said that she didn’t perceive a conflict because people would never volunteer for these groups otherwise.

There are choices we make.   All three of those people made the choice and decided to be in clear conflict.

Does it make sense for City Lawyers to drag it out at great cost to tax payers when we can’t even support our 33 year old public art gallery?

You can’t make this stuff up.   It’s all on the city’s own video.

The Municipal Act is a very weak piece of legislature.   For a member of the public to have to risk great cost and get nasty threatening emails from huge law firms is not the way to administer justice.

It needs to be amended, but at the end of the day our elected officials take an oath to put the best interest of the corporation first as opposed to petty personal vendettas and mayhem.

Another question is if BLG is representing the elected officials personally would that in of itself be a Conflict of Interest as it’s council that decides who gets the legal contracts?   Did BLG or the City consult the COI Commish about that one?

For a man that condemned former Mayor Bob Kilger Leslie O’Shaugnessy is rapidly climbing the rankings for the Hypocrite of the Year Award.

Mayor O’Shaugnessy, and the councilors need to do the right thing as much as Brock Frost needs to do the right thing.

But mostly the tax payers of Cornwall Ontario need to do the right thing and demand that these folks stop wasting money that could be better spent.

And of course none of this would have transpired if Gerry Benson, the Kanebs, and others who have greatly benefited from our fair city had kicked in the cash themselves instead of parasiting it from the public.  Of course that could be why they have more cash than the average city resident in the first place.

While some are stating that those on the steering committee don’t benefit the reality is that the fame from a successful project helps get people re-elected and last that I checked elected officials earn cash;  in the mayor’s case probably much more than he made in real estate.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?  You can post your comments below.

WARRANT EXECUTED – DRUGS & GUNS SEIZED
Indoor Grow Operation Dismantled
(South Stormont) – On June 11, 2015 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) – Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) with the assistance of members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) and Canine Unit executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in South Stormont Township. This resulted in the dismantling of a substantial sized indoor grow operation. Officers seized the following controlled substances in various stages of growth;

– 60 pounds of Psilocybin (Magic) Mushrooms
– 804 marihuana plants
– 1 pound of marihuana (end product)

The estimated street value of drugs seized at maturity is approximately $895,000.

Officers also seized the following;

–  11 handguns
–  43 long guns
–  Ammunition.

Three persons were arrested.

A 39-year-old female of North Stormont Township is charged with;

– Produce a Controlled Substance (2 counts)

– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)

– Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm/Ammunition (9 counts)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (2 counts)

– Breach of Firearm Regulation – Store Firearm or Restricted Weapon

– Careless Use of a Firearm

– Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

A 40-year-old male from Brussels, Ontario is charged with;

– Produce a Controlled Substance (2 counts)

– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)

– Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm/Ammunition (9 counts)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (2 counts)

– Breach of Firearm Regulation – Store Firearm or Restricted Weapon

– Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (2 counts)

– Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
A 26-year-old male from London, Ontario is charged with;

– Produce a Controlled Substance (2 counts)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
All were held in custody pending a court appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice of Ontario in Cornwall.

THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON- Ahmed ElKerim, 33 of Cornwall was arrested on June 17^th, 2015 and charged with theft under $5000 and breach of three probation orders and an undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on June 17^th, 2015 the man attended a Second Street East store and selected a quantity of chocolate bars making no attempt to pay for the items as he left the store. The Loss Prevention Officer contacted police and the man was located a short distance away. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

ASSAULT

Cornwall, On – A 22-year-old Cornwall woman was arrested on June 17^th, 2015 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on June 17^th, 2015 the woman spat in the face of her 23-year-old boyfriend and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the woman was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on July 21^st, 2015. Her name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

CARE AND CONTROL

Cornwall, ON – Nicholas Lamesse, 30 of Cornwall was arrested on June 16^th, 2015 and charged with care and control of a motor vehicle and over 80. It is alleged on June 16^th, 2015 the man had care and control of a motor vehicle in the area of Montreal Road and Belmont Street while under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date.

THREATS, RESIST ARREST

Cornwall, ON – Tibor Csontos, 60 of Cornwall was arrested on June 16^th, 2015 and charged with threats and resist arrest. It is alleged on June 16^th, 2015 the man threatened to harm a 54-year-old man known to him and police were contacted to investigate. During their investigation the man was located at his residence, taken into custody after a brief struggle and charged accordingly. He was transported to police headquarters and held for a bail hearing.

OPP

Ontario Provincial Police News Portal [LANARK COUNTY] DRUG ARREST 2015-06-16

CORNWALL Ontario – In an ironic and um….conflicted twist, Cornwall Ontario Solicitor David Sherriff Scott of the firm Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) has requested a new judge for the first appearance of the Conflict of Interest Application against Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy, & councilors Elaine MacDonald, and Carilyne Hebert because of a conflict of the judge scheduled to be available on the July 10th court date.

That judge is on the same Steering Committee as the three elected officials.

Mr. Sheriff Scott is refusing to state whom he is working for.  IE is the City of Cornwall paying the legal fees for the Mayor and Councilors or are they paying their own freight?   Mayor O’Shaughnessy has been quoted as saying that he had a first legal opinion, was going for a second, and that he’d having a press conference that I would not be able to attend.   The City has not responded to a request to confirm if it’s paying the legal bill.

That conference never has taken place.  The mayor also said he’d also be paying his own legal bills, but could he use the city’s own law firm without them being in conflict?

The letter from Mr. Sherriff Scott also slurs the largest newspaper in Cornwall by terming us a website/blog.  I get an uneducated person like our former mayor using that term, but an esteemed lawyer of the stature of Mr. Sherriff Scott?   Is he talking smack?  With over 20,000 Cornwallites alone reading CFN monthly and the city previously using our services is there any real doubt that CFN is an online newspaper of which there are thousands in the world?

He also complained in his letter that he wanted to speed up a hearing because CFN had been printing stories about the case.    The Standard Freeholder has also covered that the application was served.   Only the Seaway News (TC MEDIA) can answer why for some odd reason they have not covered the case as of yet?  Usually a mayor and two councilors being served a Conflict of Interest application is front page news.

The application stems from the Mayor and councilors not recusing themselves over the second round of funding for the Benson vanity project University/ School of Flight Excellence.   Not only did the three elected officials participate and agree to give the project they sit on public cash, but Mayor O’Shaugnessy in particular talked Councilor Hebert into reversing her decision to recuse herself as she initially announced at the meeting.

The incident was in open council.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?   Should the City be paying the Mayor & Councilors legal fees?    You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario –   As some of our viewers know since living in this area I’ve taken a vow of non-partisan ship when it comes to politics.

I think we all should become Hyper Non Partisan.     One election at a time, one candidate at a time knowing that no party or politician can be all things I personally have decided to choose one person at a time.

When PC leader Patrick Brown hit the scene I was open to his message.  Clearly he was savvy and saying a lot of things that needed to be said and his victory over Christine Elliotte was truly remarkable, but sadly his promise of inclusion has been shattered.

It’s biggest example being right here.   When I was approached by his team things went well.   I did an interview with him and attended a few of his events.   I even purchased a party membership (I did of all three parties for disclosure purposes).

Clearly Ms Wynne’s track record would suggest a clear change was needed, but that change had to be for the better.

Andrea Horwath is not enough of a change and simply has shown an ineptitude politically so the opportunity for Mr. Brown and his party was wide open.

The local riding association here in SD&G is a huge reason in why I am HNP.   It’s corrupt, petty, ignorant and those are their good qualities.   Mr. Brown, walked into that hornets nest and some communication was exchanged.

Sadly he was back in Cornwall Friday with no invite to the largest newspaper in the region.  Over 20,000 people per month(based on Unique Viewers ISP numbers)  read CFN at least one time.   That’s nearly half of the city.   Our audience outside of Cornwall usually is about 60% of our total so our reach is not tiny.

You would think a savvy political leader that has been treated fairly if not supportive would enforce his vision of inclusion?   At least I would.     I’m not personally offended.  I’m used to the odd and freaky ways of politicians, but what a lost opportunity for Mr. Brown and his team.

What some don’t realize is that they simply are not snubbing or disrespecting yours truly.  They disrespect the community and our viewers.

I don’t force people to read CFN.  They choose to take that action for whatever reasons they may have.

Patrick Brown, by falling into Tim Hudak style politics in this riding is at best a stumble and at worst, the same old same old.

Ontario deserves better.    I know I do.

What do you think dear CFN viewers?  You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario – Council and management have a chance to show some leadership and do something positive as it’s that time to decide on what to do with our hockey rink contracts.

Right now the Cornwall Colts have a ridiculous arrangement where they get subsidized by the city and get the ad revenue from the Civic Complex, an arena the team doesn’t come close to filling.

The LNAH Cornwall River Kings get boned.  No subsidy, no ad cash.   The team usually triples attendance over the Colts, and the bizarre rink deal clearly has handicapped the success of the team and its future.

Clearly it’s time to move the Colts over to the Benson Centre where the 500 seat space fits the product.    Of course the team ownership looses a bucket of money, but the city is not in the business of filling local businesses pockets,right?    If that were the case our local economy would be a lot better.

The River Kings should have all of the ad space for 2015/16 season if for no other reason to give them a chance to catch up for the previous years.

There is also the solution that no boards will be given to teams and that the city will simply set out a rate card and retain all of the ad dollars and simply give our reductions or grants to the teams that fill the seats to give the advertising their value.

There are a lot of unconfirmed rumors running around our hockey scene.

For example is David Murphy and/or the Benson group involved at an ownership level with the Colts?  That might explain why they’ve been treated they way they have?

Are Mr. Murphy (who is also a city councilor) and Marty Benson trying to land a franchise from the Ontario Hockey League or the Q for Cornwall?    If that is the case that should be discussed at this point in time.

If that franchise were landed it would hurt the River Kings.  What consideration should the franchise be given?

The bottom line is that Council’s job is to decide what is best for the Corporation of the City of Cornwall and its taxpayers and not…….um…. Treating users of our facilities like the Benson Centre and Civic Complex is crucial.  Treating them fairly should be the prime consideration after gaining the most revenue we can so taxpayers don’t get stuck with the bill.

The utter sad issue is that the City has chosen to subsidize Hockey to this degree while slashing funding to its public Art Gallery of 33 years to ZERO for 2015.   That’s  insane and is hurting our community as there are far more artists than hockey players.

What do you think Cornwall?  You can post your comments below.

CORNWALL Ontario –  DUI’s, Nicaraguan Real Estate claims, fraudelent hockey travails and acusations and sundry other lawsuits could not keep Brock Frost away from Council Monday night.

He returned after what he claimed in communication to council from a vacation and his move to Ottawa.

Frost recused himself over voting for the River Kings ice contract.   No update on his Quebec charges or his alleged email resignation to Todd Lihou & Bill Kingston.

Councilor Frost fled from the Freeholder’s Greg Peerenboom and Todd Lihou after the meeting as the two darted over to ask him a question.

So here were the options that council weighed in after a report from Management at Monday night’s council meeting.

That Council approve the following:

1. That Council approve a three year agreement with the Cornwall Colts based on the same contract provisions as the last contract, as contained in this report, and as well, continue to provide the Minor Sports Association’s 40% subsidy for the Colts. All is subject to a Council decision on sharing of advertisement outlined as part of options provided in part 4 of these recommendations, provided the Colts continue to remain under the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association.

2. That Council approve a three year agreement with the River Kings based on the same contract provisions as the last contract and as contained in this report. All subject to a Council decision on advertising sharing outlined as part of options provided in Part 4 of these recommendations and the team will pay full price for the ice, office rentals, and any other items requested by them.

3. Provide each team with a $100 per game rebate from game night concession sales.

4. That Council choose one of the following models to deal with advertisement revenues for the arena, arena concourse, ice surface and ice boards.

a) River Kings proposal: They propose an equal split of the arena. The split will have each team controlling their own advertising costs and income. The split would occur down centre ice giving the Colts the west side and the River Kings the east side. Any ad opportunities intersected by the division line including media boxes, 2 rink boards, 2 backlit signs will go to the Colts. Please refer to attached proposal.

b) Colts proposal: They propose a 80-20 split in revenue with the River Kings. This would consist of a mix of all ad space consisting of rink boards, back lit signs, wall, floor and door signage to be broken down and confirmed by both parties. Please refer to attached proposal.

c) That Council remain with the status quo providing 100% of the advertisement to the Colts with a clause in their contract stipulating they must share in order to receive their 40% subsidy for game and practice ice.

d) That Council select another percentage option that they feel best fits the operation, revenue stream and long standing relationship with the City.

e) The City not provide any advertisement opportunities at all to anyone and try to sell with existing staff and keep revenues.

It was odd listening to the debate as most of council was missing.

Councilor Dupelle and Mayor O’Shaughnessy voted against the 70-30 split.

River Kings owner Steve Moreau granted CFN a comment after the vote.

How does this affect the River Kings?  It’s too early to tell however it’s interesting to see how the City of Cornwall wants stability in our team yet votes for a 70/30 split on advertising privileges.

 How is a team to gain stability when it’s own City wont assist the team?  

No revenue from concessions, no revenue from beer sales, no discount on ice time, no practice ice available because of policy and forcing us to go outside the city.  

They (Council) had the choice to play fair or to play favourites. Looks like they played favourites.  

It’s going to take a lot of work on everyone’s part (fans, owners, staff) and its now time for for fans, sponsors and anyone who supports the team to understand this team will cost all of us to have them here.  

Whether its in ticket sales, merchandise sales, paying players, etc, we will all have to spend to keep the team.  

Sponsorship and season tickets are available and we’ll need to sell 2500 season tickets to break even.  I suggest buying them now to reserve your seat.