Three charged after victims robbed, held against their will in dating scam

A Winnipeg woman and two men are facing charges after several victims were lured through online dating websites and robbed at knifepoint over a seven-month span.

Police said the victims arranged to meet in person after meeting a woman on dating sites between February and August.

They were confronted by male suspects and robbed of personal belongings, including wallets and car keys, when they arrived at pre-arranged addresses.

The suspects drove the victims’ vehicles to businesses and ATMs to make fraudulent purchases and withdraw funds from accounts, police said. The victims were allowed to leave when the suspects returned.

Detectives from the Winnipeg Police Service’s major crimes unit identified suspects and two homes linked to the robberies — one in the 400 block of Eugenie Street in St. Boniface, and the other in the 500 block of Polson Avenue in the North End.

Reena Lee Ducherer, 44, and Kelly William James Johnston, 51, were arrested Aug. 7. A 61-year-old man was arrested the next day.

Ducherer’s charges include seven counts each of robbery, uttering threats and forcible confinement, a single count of kidnapping, 13 counts of failing to comply with a release order and six counts of failing to comply with a recognizance.

Johnston is charged with eight counts each of robbery, forcible confinement and disguise with intent, seven counts of uttering threats and one count of kidnapping.

Both were held in custody.

The 61-year-old man is facing eight counts each of forcible confinement and disguise with intent, seven counts of uttering threats and two counts of robbery. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims who haven’t contacted police.

Anyone who may be a victim or has information is asked to call the major crimes unit at at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca