On January 22, 2026, the Western Alberta District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, in collaboration with the Swan Hills detachment and other specialized units, executed search warrants at multiple locations in Swan Hills, Alberta. This operation culminated a multi-month investigation into stolen vehicles, tampering with vehicle identification numbers, and the fraudulent sale of these vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.
The searches led to the recovery of several stolen vehicles valued over $5,000, including a pickup truck, trailer, Harley-Davidson motorcycle, snowmobiles, and other off-highway vehicles. Additionally, authorities seized three firearms—one of which was prohibited—a crossbow, ammunition, approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine, and other offense-related property.
Five Swan Hills residents were arrested and face multiple charges:
– Luke Gates, 33: Charged with fraud over $5,000, multiple counts of fraud under $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime, altering vehicle identification numbers, forgery, and possession of forged documents.
– Valerie Koyle, 32: Faces charges including fraud over $5,000, fraud under $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime, altering vehicle identification numbers, and possession of forged documents.
– Vernon Schubinski, 63: Charged with possession of property obtained by crime and altering vehicle identification numbers.
– Dean Brendel, 35: Faces charges including altering vehicle identification numbers, fraud under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of prohibited weapons, unauthorized possession of firearms, unsafe storage of firearms, and possession of forged documents.
– Hanmarie Roberts, 35: Charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of prohibited weapons, unauthorized possession of firearms, and unsafe storage of firearms.
Constable Dylan Macleod, the primary investigator, highlighted the success of the multi-unit collaboration in dismantling the operation and emphasized the RCMP’s commitment to public safety by removing stolen vehicles, firearms, and drugs from the community. He also advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing used vehicles and recreational equipment.
The accused have been scheduled for court appearances at the Alberta Court of Justice in Barrhead on various dates between January 27 and March 24, 2026.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
Courtesy: RCMP
