Raw milk farmer Michael Schmidt faces charges related to cameras near his farm

DURHAM, Ont. - An Ontario farmer and raw milk activist says he's facing charges related to two cameras found in an area around his farm.

But Michael Schmidt calls the charges "a joke" because he was the one who phoned police to report the unmarked cameras after they caused concern among neighbours in his community.

West Grey Police say that in early August the Ministry of Natural Resources reported that two of their cameras were missing in the region.

Police say 61-year-old Schmidt has been charged with theft under $5,000 and mischief in relation to the cameras.

They say Schmidt has been summoned to appear in court in Walkerton on Oct. 26.

Schmidt says neighbours and friends took down the unmarked cameras earlier this year when they noticed them alongside area roads, and he then called police to report the devices and ask who they belonged to.