2023 heist one of eight linked to GTA men

Five people from the Toronto area have been charged in the armed robbery of a credit union in Arkona in 2023.

It’s one of eight banks robbed in small communities across the province which were robbed in the last 16 months. Five people face 53 charges, including robbery with violence, forcible confinement and various firearms charges.

Around 5:30 pm April 3, 2023, Lambton OPP police were called to the Libro Credit Union branch on Arkona Road. OPP Cruisers and Anishinabek Police Services from Kettle & Stony Point and OPP detectives investigated, with photos and descriptions of the suspects released. But charges were not immediately laid.

OPP revealed today the Arkona robbery was linked to eight others. The heists occurred within in southern Ontario, Barrie , Belleville, Durham, Niagara and York . In August 2023, the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch identified similar characteristics in the robberies. The OPP say five people are responsible for more than $2 million in reported losses across eight banks. The money has not yet been recovered.

The robberies involved two or three people entering the banks prior to closing. They wore different masks and clothing in each occurrence. During all robberies, at least one handgun was displayed. “Each involved two to three individuals entering bank before close. The occupants were controlled through the use of firearms to threaten and intimidate. Disguses were used to conceal the suspects faces and gloves were worn to prevent fingerprints,” said OPP Detective Inspector Brian McDermott during a news conference Oct. 29.

In the last six robberies, bank employees were bound. OPP Deputy Commissioner Marty Kearns recognized “the profound impact this crime has had on the approximate 20 victims who were in the banks at the time of the robbers. Though no physical injuries occurred, the individuals caught up in these terrifying events have endured significant emotional distress and trauma.”

On June 21, 2024, three people were arrested during an attempted robbery in Field, Ontario, by OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit. A fourth person was arrested Sept. 25 in Vaughan.

Charged are Devonte Clarke, 29, of Whitby, Keino Heath, 25 , of Oshawa, David Newman, 24, of Ajax, Roderick Newman, 32, of Coburg.

A fifth suspect was charged. Akeem Williams, 32, of Ajax is wanted by OPP on charges of robbery, conspiracy, forcible confinement and weapons charges.

FULL LIST OF CHARGES

DEVONTE CLARK, 29 Whitby, ON

• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence, 465(1)(c)
• Use Imitation Firearm in Commission of offence, 85(2)
• Robbery with Violence, 343(a)
• Forcible Confinement, 279(2)
• Pointing a Firearm, 87
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, 88
• Disguise with Intent, 351(2)

KEINO HEATH, 25, Oshawa, ON

• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence, 465(1)(c) – two counts
• Robbery with Violence, 343(a)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, 354(1)(a

DAVID NEWMAN, 24, Ajax, ON

• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence, 465(1)(c) – two counts
• Robbery with Violence, 343(a)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, 354(1)(a)

RODERICK NEWMAN, 32, Coburg, ON

• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence, 465(1)(c) – two counts
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, 117.01(1)
• Forcible Confinement, 279(2) – four counts
• Robbery with Violence, 343(a) – two counts
• Robbery with a Firearm, contrary to section 344(1)(a) – three counts
• Disguise with Intent, 351(2) – four counts
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000, 354(1)(a) – two counts
• Use Imitation Firearm in Commission of offence, 85(2)
• Pointing a Firearm, 87 – four counts
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, 88 – four counts
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, 95(1) – three counts

AKEEM WILLIAMS 32 Ajax, ON

• Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence, 465(1)(c)
• Robbery with a Firearm, 344(1)(a)
• Forcible Confinement, 279(2)
• Pointing a Firearm, 87
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, 88
• Possession of Loaded Prohibited or Restricted firearm, 95(1)
• Disguise with Intent, 351(2)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000,
  354(1)(a)