Over the past month, the St. Paul RCMP have been investigating a series of break-ins targeting rural lake properties within the County of St. Paul. On September 27, officers made a breakthrough in the case, arresting a man suspected of being involved in multiple incidents.
James Brertton, 54, a resident of Saddle Lake, was taken into custody after police executed a warrant to enter his residence. Brertton was also wanted on other outstanding warrants. During the search, RCMP discovered two unsecured firearms and numerous stolen items.
As a result of the investigation, Brertton has been charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of break and enter, three counts of failure to comply with a probation order, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to an order.
Following a Judicial hearing, Brertton was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in the St. Paul Court of Justice on October 3.
“This investigation demonstrates that the RCMP takes rural property crime very seriously and will continue to work diligently until an arrest is made,” said Cpl. Stephen Cunningham of the St. Paul RCMP.
