Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program Leads to Arrests, Charges

A Nova Scotia criminal justice rewards program is paying large dividends today, July 4.

Nova Scotia's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program helped the RCMP arrest and charge two men with first degree murder in the disappearance of Melissa Dawn Peacock. Dustan Joseph Preeper, 24, of Halifax, and Joshua Michael Preeper, 20, of Kennetcook, have been charged. Dustan Preeper has also been charged with second degree murder in the 2010 murder of Ben Hare.

"This is an excellent example of what can happen when police agencies work collaboratively," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "I've said it many times before, if this program helps bring closure to even one unsolved crime, it will be worth its weight in gold. Today we see just how much that one piece of information was worth."

"The investigation into these deaths has been a significant undertaking," said Chief Supt. Brian Brennan, criminal operations officer for the RCMP in Nova Scotia. "We were relentless in our efforts to gather evidence to ultimately bring individuals to justice and have them answer to these senseless acts of violence. We want to thank both the public and the media for their assistance in moving this investigation forward."

The case of Melissa Dawn Peacock was added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program in May. The information was received on the program's toll-free telephone line that month.

Information provided in the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program must lead to an arrest and a conviction before a person can be considered for the reward. If the people arrested are convicted, a reward of up to $150,000 will be issued from the Department of Justice to the person who provided the information.

This is the first time information to the Nova Scotia Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program has lead to arrests and charges.

Anyone with information about a crime can call the program toll-free at 1-888-710-9090.

Those who come forward will be expected to provide their name and contact information. They may be called to testify in court. All calls to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program are recorded.

The Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program was launched in October 2006 as another tool for law enforcement to use in solving crime. There are 63 cases in the program.