Crime Stoppers Quinte Inc.

09/03/2026

Male Arrested After Romance Fraud Investigation

A male is facing several charges after entering into multiple romantic relationships and defrauding five victims out of more than $1 million.

In November 2025, investigators with the DRPS (Durham Regional Police Service) Financial Crimes Unit began an investigation into a male reported to have financially exploited multiple women while engaged in romantic relationships with them.

The investigation revealed that between 2020 and 2025, the accused targeted women seeking companionship and meaningful relationships. Victims first met the accused in both social and professional settings, including through the accused’s dog training business Friendly K9 and at local fitness facilities.

The accused gained the trust of victims by establishing emotional connections, proposing long-term romantic commitments, and making false representations about his financial circumstances and business ventures. He then convinced victims to provide substantial sums of money under the guise of investments, loans, business opportunities, and personal financial emergencies.

Five victims suffered financial losses exceeding $1 million. The accused maintained multiple romantic relationships simultaneously and, in some instances, used money obtained from one victim to make payments to another in order to perpetuate the deception.

Due to the complexity of the financial transactions involved, investigators conducted extensive forensic analysis and reviewed thousands of banking and financial records. As a result of the investigation, investigators formed reasonable grounds to believe multiple fraud-related offences had occurred.

On Monday, August 31, 2026, investigators with the Financial Crimes Unit located the suspect in Ajax and took him into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, the accused was violating two court-imposed release orders.

Investigators have concerns there are further victims. A photo of the accused is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Salvatore MALANDRINO, age 41 from Marmora is charged with: Fraud Over $5000 x5, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime, Fail to Comply with Release Orderx2, and Uttering Forged Document.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Many victims of romance fraud are reluctant to report what has happened to them. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, self-blame, and betrayal are common. Victims of fraud are not responsible for the actions of those who deceive them. The responsibility lies solely with the person who chose to exploit trust for personal gain.

If you believe that you have been defrauded or financially deceived while in a romantic relationship, we encourage you to contact police.

For more information on Romance Scams and how you can better protect yourself, please visit: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/fraud-and-financial-crimes/

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Miglia of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2950.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

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09/03/2026

A huge thank you to Crime Stoppers Quinte for stepping up when they heard we were in need of back-to-school snacks.

They donated more than 30 pounds of school snacks to Gleaners, helping us make sure children and families who rely on the food bank have a little extra support as the school year gets underway.

Something as simple as having a snack to put in a child’s lunch can make a real difference, and we are so appreciative of Quinte Crime Stoppers for recognizing the need and jumping in to help.

Thank you for supporting Gleaners and the families we serve!

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Total calls for service – Belleville Police responded to 151 calls for service over 24 hours from 5:00 a.m. on September 1, 2026, to 5:00 a.m. on September 2, 2026.

Fail to Comply

On September 1, 2026, at 6:48 p.m., Belleville Police responded to a call for service in the city’s east end. It was reported that a female had left her residence and refused to return despite being bound by conditions, including a requirement to follow the residence rules.

Officers attended the area and spoke with the female.

As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old Belleville woman was arrested and charged with:

Fail to comply with probation order X4
Failure to comply with undertaking

She was held for a bail hearing.
******
Back-to-School Safety

As students head back to the classroom, the Belleville Police Service is reminding drivers, parents, and students to make safety a priority as school-year traffic returns to our roads.

With increased activity around schools during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, motorists are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, obey posted speed limits, watch for crossing guards and school buses, and be prepared for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review safe travel habits with their children, including using designated crosswalks, staying on sidewalks where available, looking in all directions before crossing, and crossing only when it is safe to do so.

The Belleville Police Service remains committed to keeping our community safe and encourages residents to visit our Back-to-School Safety webpage for additional safety tips. We wish all students and staff a safe return to school and a successful school year ahead.

09/01/2026

FIVE ARRESTED FOLLOWING HOME INVASION IN QUINTE WEST

(QUINTE WEST, ON) - Five individuals are facing numerous charges after a reported home invasion in Quinte West.

On Friday, August 28, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., members of the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to reports of a robbery in progress at a residence in Quinte West. It was reported that five-armed individuals had entered the home, threatened the occupants with a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), and stole cash.

Officers responded immediately and quickly located and arrested all five suspects at the scene.

Members of the Quinte West OPP Crime Unit assisted with the investigation. Police seized a prohibited CEW device and a CEW cartridge.

As a result of the investigation, Cody ALDRICH, 38 years old, from Quinte West has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Break and enter
Being unlawfully in a dwelling house
Robbery with a weapon
Uttering threats
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a prohibited device
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order (two counts)

Baron WHITE, 29 years old, from Consecon has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Break and enter
Being unlawfully in a dwelling house
Robbery with a weapon
Uttering threats
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order - two counts

Kristian RITTWAGE, 36 years old, from Brighton has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Break and enter
Being unlawfully in a dwelling house
Robbery with a weapon
Uttering threats
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Unauthorized possession of a weapon

Robert GLOUSHER, 35 years old, from Frankford has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Break and enter
Robbery with a weapon
Uttering threats
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Unauthorized possession of a weapon

Jesse STEACY, 33 years old, from Colborne has been charged with:

Assault with a weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Break and enter
Being unlawfully in a dwelling house
Robbery with a weapon
Uttering threats
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Disguise with intent
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order - two counts
Possession of a Schedule I substance

All accused were held in custody pending bail hearings before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Quinte West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

09/01/2026

THREE PEOPLE CHARGED IN DRUG INVESTIGATION

(QUINTE WEST, ON) - The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged three people following the ex*****on of a search warrant in Quinte West.

On Thursday August 27, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., the OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit and members of the Quinte West Detachment, executed a search warrant at a residence on George Street in Trenton, as part of an on-going investigation.

As a result, officers seized, a .22 calibre firearm, a crossbow, Canadian currency, more than 80 grams of suspected co***ne and other items associated with drug trafficking.

Andrea PELRINE, 30 years old from Campbellford, has been charged with:

Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - co***ne
Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid (other than he**in)
Possession of a Schedule I substance - other drugs
Possession of a Schedule II substance - other drugs
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 - in Canada
Fail to comply with probation order
Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order - six counts

Zackary DIXON, 30 years old from Quinte West has been charged with:

Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - co***ne
Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid (other than he**in)
Possession of a Schedule I substance - other drugs
Possession of a Schedule II substance - other drugs
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 - in Canada
Fail to comply with undertaking - four counts

Tara DIXON, 53 years old from Quinte West has been charged with:

Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - co***ne
Possession of a Schedule I substance - opioid (other than he**in)
Possession of a Schedule I substance - other drugs
Possession of a Schedule II substance - other drugs
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 - in Canada

Tara DIXON was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville at a later date. The other two accused were held for a bail hearing.

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month and a crucial reminder that no one has to carry their burdens alone.

Mental health struggles often convince us to isolate, but reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness. Whether you are navigating dark moments yourself or supporting someone you love, your presence and story matter.

*Check In: A simple "I've been thinking about you, how are you doing?" can open the door for a lifesaving conversation.
*Listen Without Judgment: You don't need to have all the answers or fix everything. Offering a safe, space is enough.
*Learn the Warning Signs: Changes in behaviour, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness are often quiet calls for help.
*Normalize the Conversation: Talking openly about mental health helps dismantle the stigma that keeps people silent.

Free, Confidential Resources in Ontario (Available 24/7)
📱 Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
📱Hope for Wellness (First Nations, Inuit, & Métis): Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca
📱Kids Help Phone (Youth 5–29): Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
📱Good2Talk (Post-Secondary Students): Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
📱Talk 4 Healing (Indigenous Women): Call or text 1-855-554-4325
📱Community & Social Services Navigation: Call or text 2-1-1

If you're hurting today, please stay.
The world is better with you in it.

09/01/2026

As our students head back to the classroom tomorrow, let’s work together to keep our neighbourhood safe.
With school buses and little feet back on the sidewalks, you might need to leave a few minutes early to accommodate the extra traffic.
Please stay alert, keep an eye out for those flashing bus lights, and don't forget to give a friendly wave to our crossing guards!

09/01/2026

Total calls for service – Belleville Police responded to 105 calls for service over 24 hours from 5:00 a.m. on August 31, 2026, to 5:00 a.m. on September 1, 2026.

Assault

On August 31, 2026, at 2:14 pm., Belleville Police responded the area of Station Street and Burrell Street regarding an assault.

Upon arrival, it was reported that an unknown male approached an individual operating a motorized wheelchair, grabbed him, pulled him to the ground, and punched him before fleeing the area on foot. The incident also resulted in damage to the wheelchair.

Officers reviewed video surveillance and identified a suspect. At approximately 5:32 p.m., officers located the suspect.

As a result of the investigation, a 46-year-old Belleville man of no fixed address was arrested and charged with:

Assault
Mischief – under $5000
Failure to comply with an undertaking

He was held for a bail hearing.
*****
Indecent Act

On August 31, 2026, at 2:06 p.m., Belleville Police responded to a business on Dundas Street East for a call for service.

Upon arrival, officers located a female sitting nearby the entrance who was exposing herself to the public.

As a result of investigation, a 44-year-old woman of no fixed address was arrested and charged with:

Indecent act – public place
Fail to comply with probation order

She was held for a bail hearing.