Two Calgarians face dozens of charges in breach of conditions investigation

A team of Calgary police officers dedicated to managing prolific offenders in the city has charged two people following an investigation into a breach of release conditions.

Investigators say at the end of June, a person being monitored by the Prolific Offender Engagement Team (POET) was released on bail with extensive court-imposed conditions.

As part of the unit’s mandate, after the person was released, officers did multiple checks to make sure they were following their conditions imposed by the court. Calgary police say multiple attempts were also made to support the person’s reintegration into society.

In July, police began to believe the person was once again involved in criminal activity and was later identified as a suspect in a locker room break and enter, as well as several vehicle thefts and associated frauds in Calgary.

POET began investigating and gathering evidence in the case.

On Thursday. Aug. 8, police searched a home in the 200 block of Deerview Court SE, where they seized a loaded rifle, stolen Ford F350, about 200 rounds of various ammunition, three prohibited rifle magazines, two batons, bear spray, and multiple stolen identification documents and personal information. A man and a woman were arrested without incident.

Forty-year-old Michael Akey is facing 50 criminal charges, including failing to comply with a release order, failing to comply with a probation order, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition order, careless storage of a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, fraud under $5,000, possession of stole property, and driving while prohibited. He is set to appear in court on Friday.

Kari Holtz, 38, is facing six charges, including failing to comply with a release order, possession of a loaded firearm, careless storage of a firearm, and possession of stolen property under $5,000. She is also scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

“Engaging offenders with the goal of supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration is our preferred approach,” Sgt. Ryan Johnson of POET said in a statement. “However, we cannot ignore criminal activity, and when necessary, we will use our resources to monitor, investigate and apprehend those who are victimizing Calgarians.”