Leeds OPP lay firearm, sexual assault charges after dozens of weapons seized
More than 30 firearms were seized and two Leeds County residents have been charged following an OPP investigation that also resulted in a sexual assault charge.
Officers responded to a reported incident on Sunday, July 5, at about 9:30 p.m., according to a Sunday, July 19 media release.
During the search, officers seized:
- More than 30 firearms, including restricted and prohibited firearms
- More than 50 firearms-related items, including ammunition and magazines
- One crossbow
As a result of the investigation, a 72-year-old Leeds County man was arrested and remains in custody. He has been charged with:
- Sexual assault
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm (26 counts)
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order (25 counts)
A 69-year-old Leeds County man was also charged and released from custody. He faces:
- Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (16 counts)
- Possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place (eight counts)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (six counts)
Police say the identities of the accused cannot be released to protect the privacy of the victim.
The investigation involved members of the Emergency Response Team, Tactics and Rescue Unit, Canine Unit, Community Street Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Services, who assisted in the execution of a search warrant.
Anyone with information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illegal drugs or firearms is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.