CRIME SCENE: Toronto apartment super accused of defrauding potential renters

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Police are looking for a 50-year-old Toronto woman after prospective tenants hoping to obtain units in a rental building complained they were defrauded of a combined total of 54,000.

Laighnalee Asuncion, pictured above, is wanted for 28 counts of fraud under $5,000.

Toronto Police alleged that while working from Jan. 1-Aug. 30 as a superintendent at an apartment building in the Sentinel Rd.- Finch Ave. area, the woman collected rent deposits from 28 prospective renters, even though there were no units available.

The money was turned over in cash and e-transfers, according to the accusation. Police alleged the woman resigned from her position prior to the dates when the prospective tenants were to move in.

PRISON SMUGGLING CHARGES

An employee at the Collins Bay Institution in Kingston faces charges after cellphones were allegedly smuggled to an inmate serving time in the prison.

The OPP said in November 2024, officers began investigating alleged inappropriate activity between a staff member and an inmate. The investigation culminated in the seizure of contraband cell phones, according to police.

Tiana Ewan, 26, of Kingston, was recently charged with breach of trust, mischief, delivering contraband to an inmate, and possession of contraband in a penitentiary.

MAN WANTED IN SEX ASSAULT PROBE ARRESTED

Durham Regional Police said Jared Mercieca, 35, of Whitby, who was wanted in a sexual assault investigation, was arrested and charged on Wednesday.

Cops said that in January, the suspect was visiting with friends in Clarington and allegedly touched a nine-year-old in an inappropriate manner.

Police also said the suspect is accused of sexually assaulting an adult victim at a Whitby residence in February. Authorities said the victim allegedly woke up to the suspect sexually assaulting her before he brought the victim to his vehicle and assaulted her again.

Mercieca is charged with sexual interference with a person under 16 years of age, two counts of sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, choking, uttering threats to cause death and dangerous operation.

Police are concerned there may be other victims.

Anyone with information can contact police at 1-888-579-1520, Ext. 5316 or 1827, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.

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