Michael James Schwartz, 30, co-owner of Schwartz Bros Construction Limited on Cree Road, wanted in Thompson on charges of theft over $5,000 and multiple counts of possession of property obtained by crime and possession of the proceeds from crime in connection with the theft of four bundles of nickel plates valued at $110,000 from Vale's Thompson smelter in mid-May, was arrested Monday in Bismarck, North Dakota for being illegally in the United States and "administratively deported to Canada and in is now in RCMP custody," Sgt. Line Karpish, an RCMP "D" Division media relations spokesperson in Winnipeg, said Aug. 14.
Karpish said Schwartz was "located and apprehended by the Bismarck Police Department." He is scheduled to appear in Thompson provincial court Aug. 15.
Bismarck, on the east bank of the Missouri River, is the capital of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. With a population of about 61,300, it is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. Bismarck's metropolitan population of more than 120,000 is almost double its city limits population.
The investigation continues, Karpish said.
The nickel plates stolen are described as being approximately 20" by 36" in size, nickel in colour, and stamped on both sides with "VALE" and "INCO."
RCMP had been looking for Michael Schwartz, who co-owns Schwartz Bros Construction Limited with his brother, Grant, since June 25. Originally, working in the residential market, Schwartz Bros. has diversified to both industrial and commercial markets, specializing in the concrete industry and the installation and welding of structural steel.
Karpish said earlier Thompson RCMP were notified of the theft at 11:30 a.m. May 14 and were told the incident had happened overnight.
Vale employees and contractors for the company were interviewed at RCMP detachment headquarters in the Public Safety Building at 122 Selkirk Ave. in early June.
