Maple Ridge landlord arrested for counseling someone to commit murder

A prominent Maple Ridge landlord has been arrested on allegations of counseling someone to commit murder.

Jagdev (Jack) Singh Athwal, 71, was arrested by Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit on Aug. 10. He has since been formally charged and had his first court appearance in Port Coquitlam on Monday.

“This is quite a unique case that involves serious allegations against Mr. Athwal. The investigation uncovered evidence that led to charges surrounding a disturbing threat of a serious criminal nature,” Inspector David Fleugel said in a relase.

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Athwal has been released with conditions he not contact a number of local citizens, not go within a two block radius of Gordon Towers apartment building at 11980 222 St. – where he owns some units – not be in possession of firearms or imitation firearms, or explosives of any kind.

Police are releasing few details about the case except that Athwal is “very well-known here in Maple Ridge,” according to RCMP spokesman Dan Herbranson

Athwal is due back in court Thursday.