More than $2 million stolen in 8 bank robberies across Ontario; Ajax, Oshawa and Whitby men charged

Four people face numerous charges after a string of bank robberies across southern Ontario took more than $2 million.

According to an OPP press conference this morning, eight banks were robbed between December 8, 2022, and March 16, 2024. The multi-jurisdictional investigation into these robberies involved the OPP as well as the Barrie, Belleville, Durham, Niagara and York Police Services.

Each of these services spearheaded the investigation in their own regions. However, the OPP took the lead in August 2023 to coordinate the services’ efforts as Project Opal. OPP investigators found “similar characteristics in the robberies which pointed to a single group of perpetrators.”

Typically each robbery involved a group of three to four people entering the bank shortly before closing time. The group wore different outfits and masks during each incident.

While at least one of the group was armed during each robbery, no one was harmed in any of them. However, in six cases the robbers tied the bank employees up. The OPP has concluded more than $2 million was stolen across all eight robberies but none of it has been recovered.

In total banks were hit in:

• Arkona (April 4, 2023)
• Arnprior (Aug. 11, 2023)
• Barrie (Nov. 9, 2023)
• Belleville (March 16, 2024)
• Feversham (May 19, 2023)
• Field (Attempt June 21, 2024)
• Newmarket (Jan. 18, 2024)
• Niagara Falls (Feb. 3, 2023)

On June 21, the OPP arrested three men during what they believe was a potential ninth robbery in Field, a small community about 90 kilometres east of Sudbury. This trio of suspects includes:

• Keino Heath, 25 of Oshawa
  • two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
  • robbery with violence
  • possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• David Newman, 24 of Ajax
  • two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
  • robbery with violence
  • possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Roderick Newman, 32 of Cobourg
  • two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
  • two counts of robbery with violence
  • possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order
  • four counts of forcible confinement
  • three counts of robbery with a firearm
  • four counts of committing an offence while disguised
  • possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
  • using an imitation firearm to commit an offence, and
  • four counts of pointing a firearm

They later also arrested a fourth suspect in Vaughan on Sept. 25.

• Devonte Clark, 29 of Whitby
  • conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
  • using an imitation firearm to commit an offence
  • robbery with violence
  • pointing a firearm
  • forcible confinement
  • possession of a dangerous weapon

Finally a fifth suspect remains at large:

• Akeem Williams, 32 of Ajax
  • conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
  • robbery with a firearm
  • forcible confinement
  • pointing a firearm
  • possession of a dangerous weapon
  • possession of a loaded, restricted firearm
  • committing an offence while disguised
  • possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to not approach him and call 911 immediately. In total the five suspects face 53 charges between them. All those already arrested will appear in court on Nov. 7 or 18.

This investigation is still open regardless of the charges announced so far. More suspects or charges may be added. Anyone with more information can call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)