The Wrap: Misidentified suspect, Sio Silica, community crime patrols, styling food
Plus: Expanding options for mocktails, near beers and other non-boozy beverages

A Portage la Prairie man says he’s been beaten, threatened and branded a pedophile after RCMP accused him of being involved in a sex exploitation ring, then dropped the charges against him.

The Manitoba RCMP Internet Child Exploitation unit named Scott Joseph Taylor, 34, in its initial release on July 9 on a human trafficking ring in which teenage girls were being coerced into performing sex acts with adult men.

Ten days later, Mounties issued a release saying Taylor was not involved. Courts reporter Dean Pritchard talked to Taylor about the troubles he’s faced.

Sio Silica is taking another shot at developing a silica sand mine in Manitoba after the provincial government rejected the company’s controversial plans for a project east of Winnipeg.

Feisal Somji, president and chief executive officer of the Calgary-based firm, told the Free Press that Sio Silica is working on a proposal for a new project after a reporter inquired about a presentation the company made to band members in Brokenhead First Nation on Sunday.

Chris Kitching reports.

Residents in Winnipeg’s Sage Creek suburb say a recent spate of break-ins, thefts and vandalism has provoked the need for a neighbourhood watch group.

Over the last week, a Facebook group for the neighbourhood has featured accounts about stolen property and photos of smashed windows in the area. Posters say thieves have swiped lawn mowers and broken into garages.

Nicole Buffie and Jordan Snobelen talk to area residents.

Sobr Market is moving its non-alcoholic beers, wines and mocktail mixes up the street by the Academy Lanes-turned-apartment complex — nearly doubling its current floor space.

The upcoming 1,800-square-foot store will host cocktail-making workshops, new drinks and a tasting bar. The company also opened two downtown Toronto shops within the past few months.

Gabrielle Piche talks to co-founders Jessie and Shane Halliburton about the growing market for booze-free beverages.

Shel Zolkewich has made a career of playing with her food.

As a food stylist, she makes food look its best for photo and video shoots, working with businesses ranging from agriculture commodity groups to tourism companies to restaurants.

Next month, her work will make its movie debut in a Hallmark flick.

Eva Wasney talks to Zolkewich about her work, and offers some tips for capturing your own memorable meals.