(File photo courtesy © Can Stock Photo Inc. / scanrail)(File photo courtesy © Can Stock Photo Inc. / scanrail)
Sarnia

Identity fraud charge laid in online threat investigation

A Sarnia police investigation into social media threats has resulted in charges being laid against an 18-year-old city woman.

Members of the youth and criminal investigations branches began their probe on Wednesday after reports that four high school girls were receiving threats.

Cst. John Sottosanti said one of the girls, who initially said she was a victim, has been arrested.

It's alleged she created an account that impersonated a specific male student.

"She used his identity to send messages that were violent in nature, causing the male she impersonated to suffer consequences from both the school and the law," said Sottosanti. "The male student, who was alleged to have posted the messages, suffered hardships as the messages were in turn posted to a social media site where several persons presumed the guilt of the student and expressed their beliefs."

Charli Gilbert-Sanford is charged with public mischief, identity fraud, and uttering threats to cause death.

The Sarnia police investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Kent Jamieson, Det. Tyler Callander or Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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