Police charge two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences

April 11, 2025, Pictou, Nova Scotia… Police have charged two people with drug trafficking and weapons offences after executing a search warrant in Pictou.

On April 3, 2025, the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit (PCISCEU) executed a search warrant at a residence on Welsford St. as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. A man and a woman were safely arrested inside the home.

Officers searched the residence and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a firearm, a machete, mobile devices and tools, which are believed to have been stolen

Jennifer Anne Stevenson, 40, and Chad Andrew Thomson, 34, both of Pictou are each charged with:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine)
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
  • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (2 counts)
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (2 counts)

Stevenson and Thomson were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on July 7.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by PCISCEU with assistance of Pictou County District RCMP, Antigonish/Guysborough Street Crime Enforcement Unit and RCMP Police Dog Services.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The PCISCEU is made up of police officers from Pictou County District RCMP, Westville Police Service, and Stellarton Police Service.

File #2025-347322

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Man charged with multiple offences in drug trafficking investigation

April 12, 2025, Ohio, Nova Scotia… The Southwest Nova RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged a man with drug trafficking offences as part of an investigation that began in 2024.

On April 10, the Southwest Nova RCMP SCEU executed a search warrant at a home on Hwy. 203 in Ohio. Officers safely arrested a man and seized cocaine (1.1kgs), cannabis (3.3 kgs), unstamped tobacco (60K cigarettes), cash ($50K), paraphernalia associated to drug trafficking, and a machete.

James Edward Reid, 64, of Ohio, has been charged with:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
  • Possession for the Purpose of Selling (cannabis)
  • Selling Unstamped Cannabis – Excise Act
  • Unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products – Excise Act
  • Selling of Tobacco Products and Raw Leaf Tobacco
  • Possession Tobacco – No Taxes Paid – Revenue Act, Nova Scotia
  • Possession Unstamped Tobacco – Revenue Act, Nova Scotia
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Reid was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Barrington Provincial Court on June 11 at 9:30 a.m.

The investigation, which is led by the Southwest Nova SCEU, is ongoing and is being assisted by Shelburne RCMP Detachment, Bridgewater Police Service, the Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia and the Department of Service Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

File # 2024-1381435

Note to media: A photo of some of the items seized is attached.

RCMP continues to seek tips on 2024 disappearance of Zachery Kellock

April 11, 2025, Millbrook, Nova Scotia… The Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (NEN MCU) continues to seek information from the public regarding the suspicious disappearance of Zachery Kellock.

On January 14, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., Kellock left his home in Truro in a vehicle with two other people. When he had not returned two days later, his family reported him missing to the Truro Police Service. And when officers learned that Kellock was last seen on Millbrook First Nation, the RCMP took over the investigation.

“Zach’s disappearance was considered suspicious from day one,” says Cpl. Jennifer Tichonchuk, NEN MCU. “And we’ve been investigating his disappearance as a homicide.”

Since Kellock’s disappearance, investigators have continued to follow up on leads, with assistance from Colchester County District RCMP, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and the Truro Police Service.

At the time of his disappearance, 23-year-old Kellock was described as 5-foot-10, 159 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark grey leather jacket.

“We know there are people out there who have information about Zach’s suspicious disappearance – information that will help us find answers for Zach’s loved ones,” says Cpl. Tichonchuk. “We’re asking them to come forward and share what they know; even the smallest detail could help our investigation.”

Anyone with information about Zachery Kellock’s disappearance is asked to contact the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit at 902-896-5060. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2024-67453

Note to media: A photo of Zachery Kellock is attached.

Community support leads to recovery of stolen church bell from Ballantyne’s Cove

April 10, 2025, Antigonish, Nova Scotia… Community support and engagement was vital to the recent recovery of a bell stolen from a church in Ballantyne’s Cove.

On April 1, Antigonish County District RCMP responded to a report of theft at a church on Hwy. 337. RCMP officers learned that a large bell was taken from the property sometime the night prior.

Information gathered led investigators to believe that items stolen from a nearby property had been used in the commission of the offence at the church.

On April 4, police learned that the missing bell was located in Pictou County. Thanks to the social media posts and the attention they received, an individual received information about where the bell could be found, leading to its safe recovery and return to the church.

The investigation is ongoing, as officers continue to follow up on leads and information provided by the public about this theft to support criminal charges.

“When property crime targets historical or cultural items, we understand that the impact can be significant on the community as a whole,” says S/Sgt. Kim Hillier, Antigonish RCMP Detachment Commander. “Thank you to all who played a part in returning this bell to where it belongs.”

If anyone has information regarding this incident or other property crime offences, they are asked to contact the Antigonish RCMP at 902-863-6500 or the police of jurisdiction. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-420313

RCMP investigators release video in continuing effort to solve homicide of Donny Lohnes

April 7, 2025, Pine Grove, Nova Scotia… The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (SWN MCU) is continuing its investigation into the homicide of Donny Lohnes and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward by releasing a video featuring his family.

On October 25, 2020, 57-year-old Donald (Donny) Derrick Lohnes was attacked outside his  home on Jippie Ave. in Pine Grove. Lohnes later died from injuries sustained during the attack. His death was ruled a homicide.

“We believe Donny was targeted by his attackers and that those responsible for his death thought he was involved in a dispute he wasn’t connected to,” says Cpl. Chris Marshall, SWN MCU. “Someone knows something; we hope that someone will come forward after seeing the pain Donny’s mom and brother are living with; we want to help bring them answers.” 

To date, more than 125 people have been interviewed, four crime scenes and several electronic devices have been forensically examined, and other exhibits have been sent to the RCMP National Forensic Laboratory.

“In December 2024, we installed a sign outside the Cookville RCMP detachment appealing for information from the public,” says Cpl. Marshall. “The sign generated new tips that brought us closer to finding out who’s responsible for Donny’s death. This video is another tool we’re using in an effort to solve his homicide.”

The case has been added to the Nova Scotia Reward for Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers up to $150,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in certain cases. The provincial reward line is 1-888-710-9090.

Anyone with information about Lohnes’s death is asked to call the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit at 902-365-3120. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Video link: RCMP investigators release video in continuing effort to solve homicide of Donny Lohnes

File #: 2020-160171

Annapolis District RCMP investigating armed robbery

April 4, 2025, Middleton, Nova Scotia… Annapolis District RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a convenience store on Main St. in Middleton.

On April 3 at approximately 8:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery involving a knife. Investigators learned that a man entered the store wearing a mask and demanded money from the till while pointing what appeared to be a knife.

The man left on foot, going east on Main St.

The employee did not report any injuries and there were no other people in the store at the time.

The man is believed to be between 5-foot-8 and 6-foot-0. He was wearing black pants, a black zip-up hoodie, a black toque, and a white neck warmer covering his face. His boots were brown with black soles.

RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services attended the initial call to support Annapolis District RCMP. The file is still under investigation.

Anyone who recognizes this man or who has information about this incident is asked to contact the Annapolis District RCMP at 902-825-2000. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-434129

RCMP investigating fatal house fire in Big Harbour

April 4, 2025, Big Harbour, Nova Scotia… Victoria County District RCMP, supported by the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal’s Office and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, is investigating a fatal house fire that occurred in Big Harbour.

On April 3, at approximately 2:30 a.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a report of an active structure fire at a property on Big Harbour Rd. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders found a residence fully engulfed in flames.


One occupant of the home was located deceased.

At this time, the investigation, which is at an early stage, indicates that the cause of the fire is not suspicious. The investigation, however, is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this fire, or with surveillance video or dashcam footage that could support the investigation, is asked to call the Victoria County District RCMP at 902-295-2350. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-430158

Police lay firearms charges after Nadia Dr search, Dartmouth

Police have charged a man and seized a firearm after a search in Dartmouth yesterday.

On April 3, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Nadia Drive in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and seized a firearm.

Ronald Crowe, 54, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today on charges of:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  • Use imitation firearm in offence
  • Uttering threats
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order

This search, seizure and arrest is not related to recent shootings in Dartmouth or Halifax.

Police encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.

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25-42839

Yarmouth Town RCMP charge female teacher with sexual offences

April 4, 2025, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia… Yarmouth Town RCMP has charged an employee of the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education with sexual offences.

On March 4, RCMP officers received a report of a sexual assault involving a teacher and a youth victim. Officers learned that in February, a teacher who was on staff at Maple Grove Education Centre had inappropriate contact with a former student. The teacher was on leave at the time of the incident.

As a result of the investigation, on April 1, officers arrested 52-year-old Tina Lee Cottreau of Yarmouth. She has been charged with:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Interference
  • Sexual Exploitation

Cottreau was released on conditions and will appear at Yarmouth Provincial Court on May 12.

The investigation is ongoing. At this time, investigators do not believe there are other victims.

Officers have confirmed that Cottreau remains on leave from work.

The Nova Scotia RCMP encourages anyone who may be a survivor of sexual assault to come forward by contacting their local RCMP detachment or police of jurisdiction. Survivors can discuss incidents with officers before deciding to participate in an investigation and court process. To offer an anonymous tip, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

File #: 2025-28566 refers.

Police lay firearms charges in Dartmouth

Police have charged two men and two women and seized two firearms after two searches in Dartmouth earlier this week.

On April 3, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence on Fernhill Drive in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and a woman and seized one firearm.

Travae Kadeem Veldas Tynes, 30, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

Jessica Sandra Tynes, 50, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a firearm – no license or certificate
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
  • Store a firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

On April 3 at approximately 8:45 p.m., police executed a search warrant at a residence on Newcastle Street in Dartmouth in relation to a firearms investigation. Investigators arrested a man and a woman and seized a firearm.

Francis Delvin Kendal Tynes, 31, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x2)
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations (x2)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x2)
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (x2)
  • Possession of a firearm prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to order (x2)
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

Lajuana Jakiera Bruce, 30, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court today to face charges of:

  • Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x 2)
  • Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations (x 2)
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x 2)
  • Possession of a firearm – no license or certificate
  • Possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
  • Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  • Possession of a firearm/prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime

Police encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.

Police files 25-45752 and 25-45753 refer