Police have laid two more charges against a member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Wheatley.
The 44-year-old Wheatley man was charged in connection with gatherings on Sunday, May 9, 2021 and Sunday, May 16, 2021. The man's name hasn't been released but he was charged with two counts of failing to comply with a continued order of the Reopening Ontario Act. He will be required to attend Provincial Offences Court on June 23, 2021.
Chatham-Kent police also said they continue to receive and investigate complaints about gatherings at churches across Chatham-Kent.
A member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Charing Cross was charged on Monday, May 17 after a service the previous day. Chatham-Kent police got a call on Sunday morning about a large gathering at the Old Colony Mennonite Church on Cundle Line in Charing Cross and said an officer saw approximately 50 cars in the parking lot when they arrived. Police also said several people were seen allegedly leaving the church when the church service was over.
A 37-year-old Raleigh Township man, who police said is a member of the church, was charged with failing to comply with a continued order under the Reopening Ontario Act. He will be required to attend Provincial Offences Court on August 18, 2021.
Chatham-Kent police said they have also received four complaints of gatherings at the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Wheatley during the month of May. Public Information Officer Constable Renee Cowell said a service on May 2 remains under investigation. Cowell added information on the May 13 congregation was forwarded to the Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Team. Two were charged after last week's service.
There has been a total of seven charges laid at the church in Wheatley to date. A member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Dresden was also charged two weeks ago after a service held on May 2, 2021.
Constable Cowell added that Chief Gary Conn has been very consistent in his message about breaking the law.
"It is unfortunate that some people still choose to not comply with the law considering these laws are put into place for everyone’s safety, including those who choose to break them," said Chief Conn. "This pandemic requires a concerted effort by all our citizens in order to abate and eventually eradicate. It is only through compliance, cooperation and collaboration that we will overcome this virus. I am once again urging citizens to please comply and assist us in helping you."