Thompson RCMP are hoping the public can help them track down a pair of men who were identified as being among the top five most wanted people in the Northern Manitoba in a plea for assistance issued by the RCMP June 12.
Appearing on the list for the first time is 31-year-old Michael James Schwartz, co-owner of Schwartz Bros construction, who has warrants for his arrest on charges of theft over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of proceeds of crime and failing to comply with the conditions of a recognizance. Schwartz is 6'2" and approximately 210 pounds and RCMP say he has tried to evade police in the past.
Police first began looking for Schwartz last June shortly after beginning to investigate the theft of four bundles of nickel plates valued at $110,000 from Vale's Thompson smelter in mid-May of 2013. Police were notified that the bundles - which were approximately 20" by 36," nickel-coloured and stamped on both sides with "VALE" and "INCO" - had been stolen at 11:30 a.m. on May 14, 2013 and told the incident had happened overnight. Vale employees and contractors were interviewed at the RCMP detachment in early June 2013. Police began looking for Schwartz on June 25 and he was arrested Aug. 12 in Bismarck, North Dakota for being illegally in the United States and deported back to Canada, where he was taken into RCMP custody and scheduled for a court hearing in Thompson provincial court last Aug. 15.
The other man on the top five list being sought by Thompson RCMP is 33-year-old Kenneth Christopher Cook, who was on the first such list of Northern Manitoba's most wanted issued by the RCMP last Jan. 31. Cook has multiple arrest warrants for assault, overcoming resistance in the commission of an offence, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of marijuana and multiple counts of failing to comply with conditions of probation and undertakings. Cook, who has been wanted since 2010, is about 5'11" and approximately 220 pounds. Police say Cook has a history of violence and caution the public not to approach him.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of these two men is asked to contact Thompson RCVMP at 204-677-6909 or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Tipsters can also submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text "TIPMAN" plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
