A prominent landlord in Maple Ridge has been charged with counselling a person to commit murder, according to Ridge Meadows RCMP.

Charges were approved by Crown counsel against Jagdev (Jack) Singh Athwal, and he was in court for a first appearance on Monday, Aug. 13 facing what police called "serious" allegations.

"This is quite a unique case that involves serious allegations against Mr. Athwal," said Ridge Meadows RCMP Insp. Dave Fleugel. "The investigation uncovered evidence that led to charges surrounding a disturbing threat of a serious criminal nature."

According to Crown spokesperson Neil MacKenzie, the charges follow an incident that took place between June 14 and June 30 "at or near Maple Ridge."

The charges stem from an investigation that was conducted this summer, Fleugel added, clarifying that police spent several hours canvassing Gordon Towers. He elaborated that "part of the [alleged] offence" took place in the apartment complex at the corner of 222nd Street and Dewdney Trunk Road.

Athwal has been released from custody with several conditions.

His conditions include not contacting a number of local citizens and not going within a two-block radius of Gordon Towers.

The conditions also included not possessing firearms, imitation firearms, or explosives of any kind, according to police.

"As in all cases where an accused is released under strict court ordered conditions, Ridge Meadows RCMP officers will be watching for any violations of the order," Fleugel said.

"Our primary goal is to ensure public safety and the safety of the victims and witnesses in this case."

Athwal has owned several properties around Maple Ridge including the majority of the units at the notorious Northumberland Court on Fraser Street, which was sold two years ago and torn down for redevelopment last year.

Athwal, who is 71 years old, is scheduled to be back at Port Coquitlam provincial court this morning (Thursday, Aug. 16) with an application "to vary bail."

mrantanen@mrtimes.com