DURHAM—A man accused of committing several violent robberies with his brother in Ajax was declared absent without authority from his Alberta military base in the weeks before the incidents began.

The Department of National Defence (DND) has confirmed that Trenell Ottley, who is currently in custody on charges including kidnapping and robbery, went AWL in early September.

“He has been absent without authority since Sept. 7 of this year,” DND said in response to an inquiry.

Ottley, 24, of Ajax, is a corporal with the 1st Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, stationed in Edmonton, DND confirmed.

When Ottley failed to report for duty, the military engaged its protocol, which included trying to locate him and contacting next of kin, DND said. The military is aware of Ottley’s current status.

Ottley and his brother, 21-year-old Trevell Ottley, face more than 60 charges relating to a series of robberies and carjackings, the majority of which occurred between Oct. 12, when a man and woman were abducted and forced to drive to an ATM and withdraw cash, until the arrest of two suspects in late November.

Police investigated a number of similar incidents in which people were accosted and sometimes assaulted as they left or got into their cars. In some cases, vehicles were stolen and later recovered in Ajax.

The brothers were arrested after a taxi driver was robbed Nov. 28 at Ajax Downs casino. They had been under surveillance by cops investigating the crime spree, Durham police confirmed.

Both brothers were denied bail following a daylong hearing on Dec. 18. They remain in custody, with their next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 8.

The military is not seeking Ottley’s immediate return, DND said.

“Any further action regarding the member’s duty status will be put on hold pending the outcome of the current judicial proceedings,” DND stated.