Suzanne Gammon
Tribune
A West Nipissing contractor faces several criminal charges after police say he skipped out on clients and suppliers, leaving them with unfinished jobs and unpaid bills, with heavy financial impact on the local community.
Jason Gagnon, 45 years old, of West Nipissing, was charged with three counts of fraud over $5,000, fraudulent concealment and theft by person required to account. He was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on September 3, 2026.
In a release, the Ontario Provincial Police reveals that a complex fraud investigation began on February 4, 2026, with members of the Nipissing West Detachment and the Nipissing West Crime Unit looking “into allegations of fraud involving a local construction business operating in West Nipissing.”
“The investigation revealed the business was involved in the diversion of funds, resulting in significant financial losses to clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and creditors. The alleged activity also had broader economic impacts within the local community and is consistent with what is commonly referred to as a “phoenix-style” fraud scheme, where a business accumulates debt and financial obligations before ceasing operations and re-emerging under a new structure,” reads the release.
OPP Constable Rob Lewis, Media Relations Officer, says Gagnon has a few Ontario-registered numbered companies in his name, all with an address in Cache Bay, though he is unaware if any are currently active doing construction work. “We can’t prevent him from operating. That’s not our jurisdiction,” Lewis states. He adds that Gagnon is still officially residing in Cache Bay, and the OPP cannot disclose if he has filed for bankruptcy or whether he has a past criminal record.
Constable Lewis cannot disclose the estimated value of the losses incurred by Gagnon’s alleged victims, but does say there are “between 35 and 40” affected parties, including several local businesses and clients.
The OPP reminds the public to exercise caution when entering into financial agreements or construction contracts. Consumers are encouraged to conduct due diligence, verify business credentials, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. “If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online at https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/
If you wish to report a similar incident or have information related to a scam, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/” police advise.
