August 29, 2026 | ENS NEWS
A Mississauga man is facing nearly 40 criminal charges following an extensive police investigation into a series of alleged retail thefts involving clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories across several Ontario regions.
Peel Regional Police announced that 49-year-old Anthony Orlando Monteith of Mississauga was arrested following a two-month investigation known as Project Bishop.
According to police, the investigation began in April after officers started looking into a suspected prolific retail theft offender believed to be targeting major retailers across the Greater Toronto Area and other parts of Ontario.
Investigators ultimately connected the suspect to at least 38 theft-related incidents across Peel, Halton, Durham, Hamilton, York and Niagara regions.
Police said the value of merchandise allegedly stolen during individual incidents ranged from approximately $50 to more than $4,000.
38 Criminal Charges Laid
Monteith was arrested on June 19 and held for a bail hearing.
Police charged him with:
- 24 counts of theft under $5,000
- 14 counts of possession of property obtained by crime
The charges total 38 criminal offences.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
More Than $35,000 in Merchandise Recovered
Following the arrest, investigators executed search warrants at residences in Mississauga and Welland.
Police say officers recovered more than $35,000 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise, including clothing, cosmetics and personal accessories.
Authorities said the investigation remains active, with officers reviewing other incidents in which the accused may potentially be a suspect.
Police indicated that additional charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
Retail Theft Remains Major Concern in Peel
The case comes amid increasing efforts by Peel Regional Police to tackle organized retail crime in Mississauga and Brampton.
According to police, officers have already made 611 arrests and laid 1,276 charges connected to retail theft in 2026.
Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Marc Andrews said organized retail crime can cross municipal boundaries, making cooperation between police agencies, retailers and governments increasingly important.
Police are also preparing to host a Retail Organized Crime Conference in October, bringing together law enforcement agencies, retailers and government representatives to discuss strategies for preventing organized retail theft and recovering stolen property.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are asking anyone with information connected to Project Bishop or related incidents to contact Peel Regional Police.
The investigation demonstrates the increasingly coordinated approach police agencies are taking toward retail theft cases that cross multiple jurisdictions.
With incidents linked to six Ontario regions and tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise recovered, investigators say their work is not yet finished.
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