LAWYER, JP FACE CHARGES OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND MONEY LAUNDERING

TORONTO - An Ontario justice of the peace and a criminal lawyer were among
four people arrested yesterday on charges of drug trafficking, conspiracy
and money laundering.

The two were arrested after an 18-month investigation by the RCMP and the
Niagara Regional Police.

RCMP Insp. Linda Martell said a special team, established in 2001 to
investigate the influx of outlaw motorcycle gangs to the Niagara area,
received intelligence that led to the arrests.

"We received information from numerous sources, not just one particular
area, but all over, which led to ... charges," Insp. Martell said.

Though the special team was investigating motorcycle gangs, Insp. Martell
would not comment on whether the people arrested were part of an outlaw gang.

Insp. Martell said investigators do not believe the justice system in which
the two worked was compromised by the activities.

One of the accused is a civil and criminal lawyer working in Welland. His
law firm would not comment.

George Radojcic, 44, a justice of the peace from Niagara Falls, is charged
with possession and laundering of the proceeds of crime, attempt to launder
and possess the proceeds of crime, counselling to commit laundering and two
counts of conspiracy.

Jeffrey Root, 38, a lawyer from Welland, is charged with attempting to
launder and possess the proceeds of crime, counselling to commit laundering
and two charges of conspiracy.

Richard Ward, 44, of Sherkston, Ont., and Monica Gehl, 25, of Port Colborne
are both charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine and two counts of
possession of the proceeds of crime.