This could be tricky!
In August, the West Parry Sound OPP got a complaint from someone worried about not receiving a marriage certificate after their wedding.
The victims believed that the person who presided over the wedding was not authorized to perform marriages.
So the police investigated and found that in June, a woman who was known to the victims, presided over their marriage.
The happy couple paid for the services rendered during the ceremony but later grew concerned when they didn't get their marriage certificate.
They contacted the Registrar General’s Office and then the OPP.
They weren't alone.
Police learned that in February, a second couple had the same woman preside over their wedding and they too had run into difficulties getting their marriage certificate.
Turns out the person who presided over the weddings was in fact not registered with the Province and as such, was not authorized to perform the marriage.
As a result of their investigation, OPP laid charges connected to the unlawful marriages.
A 42-year-old Parry Sound woman was charged with:
- two counts of 'Pretending To Solemnize Marriage – Without Lawful Authority'
- fraud Under $5,000,
- making forged documents
Police think these may not be the only cases, so if you have been duped in this matter, you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-746-4225.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on December 15 in Parry Sound.
