RCMP arrest Toronto lawyer

A 71-year-old Toronto-area lawyer is facing criminal charges following a police search at his law office yesterday.

The RCMP integrated proceeds of crime unit executed search warrants at the law office of Kenneth James at 3100 Steeles Ave. W. in Concord, Ont., and at a residence at 76 Willowridge Rd. in Etobicoke on June 7. According to the RCMP, an investigation had been going on since June 2010 into the alleged laundering of millions of dollars of proceeds of crime through James and his office. It related to an international drug investigation by the RCMP’s drug section.

James is now facing charges of possession of the proceeds of crime, laundering the proceeds of crime, and fraud over $5,000.

Update: July 9, 2012
See Law Times story: Toronto lawyer facing criminal charges consents to suspension