Two men charged in connection to thefts from oil and gas sites

Alberta RCMP says two people have been charged in connection to a series of thefts from oil and gas sites in Alberta and B.C.

RCMP says the Western Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (WAD CRU), began an investigation in the fall of 2023, on crimes targeting oil and gas sites in the County of Grande Prairie, the MD of Greenview, Big Lakes County, Woodlands County, Parkland County, and the Peace River District of B.C.

On Jan. 12, Mounties along with members of the WAD CRU took 44-year-old Michael O’Bee and 41-year-old Denai Lanz, both from Grande Prairie, into custody.

Since, both have been charged with breaking-and-entering, theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, mischief over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance, and multiple counts of failing to comply with release orders.

“The successful outcome of this file was a result of a combined efforts from several RCMP Detachments in Western Alberta and BC, along with the assistance of specialized RCMP units including Air Services and Police Dog Services” said Sgt. Chris Power of WAD CRU.

“Our unit continues to work with local detachments to identify, disrupt, and bring those responsible for targeted oil and gas site thefts before the courts”.

RCMP say O’Bee and Lanz were brought before a Justice of the Peace. O’Bee was remanded into custody and Lanz was released on conditions. O’Bee will appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on Jan. 29, 2024, while Lanz is due to appear on Feb. 5, 2024.