NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In February, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Central Fraud Unit launched an investigation into an alleged real estate fraud.
Detectives were contacted by a real estate agent in Las Vegas, Nev., who alleged that an individual from Niagara Falls had attempted to defraud the real estate agent and his client.
The agent reported that an individual from Niagara Falls contacted him claiming to be interested in purchasing a property that he had listed for sale. After conversing with the individual over an extended period, the real estate agent became concerned the suspect was attempting to defraud him and contacted police.
As a result of the investigation a suspect was identified. Anthony Pierce, 58-years-old of Niagara Falls, faces the following criminal charge:
- breach of conditional sentence
A conditional sentence is a type of sentence that allows an accused individual to serve their sentence in the community, provided they do not pose a danger to the public. A conditional sentence is intended to balance the need for punishment with the opportunity for rehabilitation. If the conditions are violated, the accused may serve the remainder of his sentence in custody.
In May 2022, Pierce was charged with fraud over $5,000 and received a conditional sentence upon his conviction.
On Feb. 25, Pierce was arrested by members of the Niagara Regional Police Service and remanded into custody.
Detectives have reason to believe that there may be more victims and encourage them to come forward. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Police by calling 905-688-4111, extension 1009245.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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