A man is facing a slew of charges after RCMP uncovered a strange cache of stolen goods, including rare Pokémon cards worth an estimated $20,000, during a raid on a Paulson Street home last week.
The investigation began in July when a victim reported that several items had gone missing after hiring a moving company in May. The victim later spotted what they believed to be their stolen property listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, prompting them to contact police.
Wood Buffalo RCMP worked with the moving company, which cooperated fully. On Aug. 8, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Paulson Street, arresting 43-year-old Michael Hamilton without incident.
Inside the home, police made a startling discovery: multiple sets of collectible Pokémon cards valued at $20,000, alongside identity documents, suspected methamphetamine, brass knuckles, and other controlled substances.
Hamilton faces 34 criminal charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, 19 counts possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, 13 counts possession of government documents two counts possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a weapon contrary to an order.
After a judicial hearing, Hamilton was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice on Sept. 3.
RCMP continue to investigate and urge anyone with information about suspicious activity to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.
