Senior OPP officer charged with fraud in Gretzky memorabilia theft probe - Ottawa Citizen

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Brantford police Staff Sgt. Keith Tollar said Dobson, 58, is alleged to have “misrepresented the authenticity and the origin of the item,” thereby increasing its value to a purchaser.

Dobson is a longtime friend of the Gretzky family, said Tollar.

While the hockey stick had an authentic Wayne Gretzky autograph on it, she tried to pass it off as a stick Gretzky actually used, added the sergeant.

“It’s alleged that because of her title and her office, (it) added some credibility to the item,” said Tollar.

The investigation is ongoing.

Dickson confirmed the inspector was on duty when the alleged incidents took place in August.

She is now on “unrelated leave,” Dickson said. “We cannot speak to the reasons for her leave due to privacy guidelines.”

The charges against Dobson are not related to the larger theft investigation, Dickson said.

“During the course of the initial investigation, police uncovered evidence, unrelated to the initial investigation, that a separate individual is believed to have committed fraud involving Gretzky memorabilia,” Dickson said.

Dobson was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust.

Brantford police said Tuesday they had also arrested a 58-year-old Oakville man, who was charged with theft over $5,000 and possession over $5,000.

Brantford police say the value of the items is more than $500,000 U.S.

In August, the Gretzky family contacted the Brantford Police Service after several pieces of sports memorabilia were found to be missing from Walter Gretzky’s home.

Brantford police did not immediately identify the accused but said they were known to the Gretzky family.

Dickson confirmed a parallel, non-criminal investigation into Dobson’s actions will also be conducted by the OPP Professional Standards Unit once the criminal investigation is resolved.

-With files from Ron Zajac, Brockville Recorder & Times

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2020-12-16 15:55:52Z
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