Two RCMP surveillance cameras containing sensitive photos found by a Nelson man have yet to be returned.
The cameras were found in trees in Grand Forks near a trailer home rented by Dion Nordick, aka Buck Addams, and contained multiple images of various investigations.
According to various sources, while one flash drive contained strictly surveillance photographs, the other held images from previous investigations, including dead bodies and a victim of domestic abuse.
Staff Sgt. Dan Seibel, who is in charge of RCMP operations for for Kootenay Boundary, stated the cameras were placed outside the target’s property.
“The RCMP were conducting a grow-op [investigation] and the cameras were placed on a location outside of the targeted residence that was later subject to a search warrant,” said Seibel. “It was to show or capture images of vehicles going in out.”
In regards to the alarming photographs, Seibel said he was unable to comment decisively on what happened.
“The images [could have been] mistakenly left on after the officer thought he removed them, the equipment was faulty in the removal, or the images were reimaged after being deleted,” explained Seibel. “Those options are probable, but there may be more.”
Nordick, who has since moved to Nelson, and his lawyer, Jesse Gelber of Trail, still have custody of the cameras and flash drives.
Seibel pointed out that there has been correspondence with Gelber and Nordick, asking them to return the cameras.
“We want the property returned immediately,” he said. “I’ve heard through the broadcast on another media outlet Mr. Gelber is prepared to meet with the RCMP, providing we give him an explanation to the reasons that the cameras were set up.
“I’ve contacted Mr. Gelber’s office, I’ve left a message … and will continue calling him until I can speak with him and attempt to arrange a meeting.”
Nordick is currently facing no charges.
Neither Gelber nor Nordick has yet returned The Gazette’s messages.