A pair of Sault Ste. Marie residents have been handed sentences after being convicted of stealing approximately $800,000 of copper wire from Algoma Steel last summer.
Richard Soulatzkoff and Jason Fabbro were initially arrested by Sault Ste. Marie Police Service on Aug. 28, 2024 for stealing materials from the plant in multiple heists dating back to July.
The thieves were apprehended on the fence line of the property — suggesting they were preparing to strike again.
Soulatzkoff was responsible for the bulk of the thefts, illegally entering the property seven times between July 14 and Aug. 28.
On Tuesday, Ontario Court Justice Romuald Kwolek sentenced Soulatzkoff to 180 days imprisonment, after being granted a credit of 336 days for time served in pre-sentence custody.
He was also handed a 36-month probation order that will go into effect following his release.
During his probation, Soulatzkoff must keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He has also been ordered to attend counselling for substance abuse.
The 43-year-old has also been ordered to stay away from Algoma Steel, Purvis Marine and AIM Recycling while under the probation order.
Fabbro entered the property once, on Aug. 25, 2024 with Soulatzkoff and stole material valued at approximately $200,000.
He was given a conditional sentence of 18 months, with the first 12 months to be served under house arrest.
Fabbro will not be permitted to leave his residence between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the last six months of his sentence.
For the duration of his sentence, he can only leave his residence for medical emergencies and appointments, or to travel to and from his job.
Fabbro has also been barred from buying, possessing or consuming any alcohol or intoxicating substances for the duration of the sentence, and must not possess weight scales, hydroponic growing equipment and other drug paraphernalia during that time.
The 46-year-old has also been ordered to stay away from Algoma Steel, Purvis Marine and AIM Recycling during his conditional sentence.
Fabbro was also named in the Project Kentucky arrests.