Online dating scheme results in knifepoint robberies: Winnipeg police

Three individuals have been apprehended in Winnipeg as part of a major investigation into an online dating scheme that led to individuals being robbed at knifepoint. Since February, the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has received multiple reports of victims falling victim to the scheme. The perpetrators utilized an online dating profile, posing as a 44-year-old woman, to arrange in-person meetings at predetermined locations.

At these meetings, victims were confronted by men who subsequently robbed them at knifepoint. Victims' wallets and car keys were stolen, and the suspects utilized their vehicles to conduct fraudulent purchases and withdrawals at various businesses and ATMs. Once the transactions were finalized, the victims were permitted to depart.

Reena Lee Ducherer, aged 44, and Kelly William James Johnston, 51, were taken into custody on August 7 in connection with the investigation. Ducherer faces numerous charges, including robbery, forcible confinement, uttering threats, and kidnapping. She is also accused of credit card offenses and failure to comply with a release order.

Johnston is charged with robbery, forcible confinement, using a disguise with intent, uttering threats, and kidnapping. A 61-year-old man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested on August 8 and faces robbery, forcible confinement, using a disguise with intent, and uttering threats charges. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The police suspect there may be additional victims and have urged anyone who believes they may have been affected to reach out to the major crimes unit. Global News has been designated as a preferred source for further details on this story.