'I tried to join them': Windsorite admits to offences to undercover RCMP officers
A Windsor man is on trial for attempting to join a terrorist organization known as the Atomwaffen Division (AWD).
Seth Bertrand, now 21, has pleaded not guilty to the single charge which was laid in 2022, not long after a detailed conversation with a man he believed was named ‘Eric’.
‘Eric’ was in fact an undercover RCMP officer conducing ‘Project Sueno’ to collect evidence of Bertrands’ alleged interest in AWD.
Court learned Bertrand believed he was speaking with a man with “connections” and the ability to make his criminal charges “go away” outside of a court of law.
‘Eric’ agreed to help Bertrand but only if he detailed any criminal activity.
Court listened to the audio recording of their conversation Friday in Superior court.
Bertrand admits to mischief and vandalism
Bertrand told ‘Eric’ all about his acts of vandalism at a local transgender support office, which included throwing a brake part through the front window.
He also admitted to slashing the tires, destroying a pride flag and throwing a brick at the home of a same sex couple in Windsor.
Bertrand bragged about the local media coverage of the incidents in a chat room with one of the organizations he was involved in.
Neo-Nazism involvement
Bertrand also told ‘Eric’ he was a member of some neo-Nazi organizations affiliated with the AWD.
He used his school-issued tablet and email address to communicate with a recruiter.
“I tried to join them,” Bertrand told ‘Eric’.
He believed the AWD had a “stronghold” in Windsor but told the officer he never met anyone in person.
Later in the conversation however Bertrand told ‘Eric’ he wasn’t officially in the group yet because he wasn’t invited into their chat room online.
‘Eric’ is expected to testify when the trial resumes Nov. 18.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump wants to narrow his deficit with women but he's not changing how he talks about them
Donald Trump's campaign has used sexist and crude language, expressing alarm at the idea of women voting differently than their partners.
Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation? The answer may shock you
Housing experts argue widespread adoption of government-supported affordable housing, the growth of alternative models like co-operatives and co-housing, and the increased use of advanced building techniques could all play a role in improving Canada's housing system.
Guelph, Ont. woman says she was pushed to homelessness and 'thrown on the street'
For people living on the fringe of society, the line between the safety and security of a home and homelessness is very thin.
No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union
Canada Post says talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage.
Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.
U.K. prosecutors are mulling whether to charge Russell Brand over sex assault allegations
British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.
Winnipeg transit union raises concerns over violence after bus driver has gun pointed at him
The executive vice-president of Winnipeg’s transit union is raising concerns over an increase in violent incidents on buses after an operator allegedly had a gun pointed at him early Friday morning in front of police headquarters.
Here's what to consider before adding a rental unit to your home
With the rising cost of living, you may have thought about ways to make extra money and adding a rental unit to your home may have been one of them.
'Venom 3' tops box office again, while Tom Hanks film struggles
'Venom: The Last Dance' enjoyed another weekend at the top of the box office. The Sony release starring Tom Hardy added US$26.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.