A 44-year-old man is facing 91 charges after allegedly stealing nearly $18,000 worth of goods.
In May 2025, Toronto police launched an investigation called Project Shelf Defense following a spike in retail thefts in 11 Division.
Investigators said the aim of this investigation was to “identify repeat offenders and retail theft trends, link related investigations, and prevent further offences.”
“The project has resulted in numerous arrests and has helped remove repeat offenders from the community,” police said in a news release.
On May 21, they identified and arrested Joanny Portillo Martinez, 44, of no fixed address.
He has been charged with one count of assault and 45 counts each of theft under $5,000 and fail to comply with probation. The charges have not been tested in court.
Martinez is scheduled to appear in bail court on May 24.
Police allege between March 2 and May 21, he committed $17,553.31 worth of thefts.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
