Days before Christmas, the Gretzky family received an early Christmas present as two arrest were made in connection with stolen Wayne Gretzky hockey memorabilia.
“I would like to sincerely thank every member of the team,” Wayne Gretzky’s brother Glen said on their family’s behalf in mentioning the Brantford and Halton Region Police along with the OPP and RCMP. “The professionalism, dedication and support they have shown has been greatly appreciated.”
According to a report from Brantford Police, on Tuesday, December 15, a Gretzky family friend along with a senior OPP officer, have been arrested following a thorough investigation after more than $500,000 U.S. of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia was stolen from his father, Walter Gretzky’s house. A Gretzky family friend, 58- year-old Ken Hadall was arrested and charged with theft exceeding $5,000 and possession over $5,000.
Also charged was Insp. June Dobson, who is with the Grenville Ontario Provincial Police.
“The charges against Insp. June Dobson are not related to the larger theft investigation,” OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson said. “During the course of the initial investigation, police uncovered evidence, unrelated to the initial investigation, that a separate individual is believed to have committed fraud involving Gretzky memorabilia.”
Dobson is now facing charges of fraud exceeding $5,000 and breach of trust.
The missing Gretzky memorabilia included such valuables as Gretzky game used sticks, two pairs of gloves, two jerseys, hockey pants and a player of the year award.
Those items were apparently sold to private collectors, and it’s unclear at this time whether they will be facing any charges. The items were located in Alberta.
Currently, the investigation is still active.
