RCMP charge 2 for threatening young victims in ongoing case

Manitoba RCMP say two suspects have been charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly threatening several victims in an ongoing criminal case.

The Mounties say the victims -- all of them youths -- reported in June that they were being intimidated and threatened.

The RCMP says investigators determined a man charged with a variety of crimes against the youths was responsible for the threats in an effort to get the charges dropped.

Police say the man was in custody at the time the threats were issued and was helped by a woman on the outside.

Both have been charged with four counts of obstruction of justice and intimidation of a justice system participant. The man has also been charged with disobeying a court order.

As the victims in this investigation were all youths who have suffered trauma due the actions of the suspects, the RCMP is withholding the names of the accused.

“Last week, the Manitoba RCMP announced intimidation and obstruction charges stemming from a bomb threat in Steinbach. Today, we are announcing yet again obstruction and intimidation charges,” says Superintendent Michael Koppang, Officer in Charge of Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services.

“We want to make it clear to anyone who attempts to threaten victims, to go after witnesses, and intimidate our officers, that they will not succeed. The RCMP will use all available resources and will go to great lengths to protect the integrity of our justice system.”