PARRY SOUND – A local woman faces charges she officiated over marriage ceremonies illegally, and police are searching for more potential victims.

On August 2, the West Parry Sound OPP received a report from a citizen concerned about not receiving a marriage certificate after a wedding.

The report was initiated after the victims believed that the person who presided over the wedding was not authorized to perform marriages.

OPP Investigation has thus far revealed that in June 2016, a woman who was known to her victims presided over their marriage. The woman also received money for fees of services rendered during the ceremony, according to a release from the OPP. Concerned that they had not received their marriage certificate, the victims contacted the Registrar General’s Office and then the police.

Police also learned that in February of 2016, a second couple had the same woman preside over their wedding. They too had run into difficulties receiving their marriage certificate. Police learned that the person who presided over the weddings was in fact not registered with the province and as such, was not authorized to perform the marriage.

As a result of the investigation, Michelle Buttineau, 42 , of Parry Sound was charged with: two counts of pretending to solemnize marriage without lawful authority; fraud under $5,000; and making forged documents.

At a court appearance on March 16, 2017 Buttineau pleaded guilty to two charges related to pretending to solemnize a marriage and received a suspended 24 month sentence and 25 hours of community service as well as a restitution order of $200 to her victims.

The OPP said in the release they are concerned that there may be more people who have fallen victim to the accused.

They ask any person with information regarding the matter to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-746-4225.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.