River de Chute man remanded for sentencing on sex charges
A River de Chute man appeared in provincial court on May 27 and was remanded to jail to await sentencing on sex charges.
Martin Sargefield, 32, was charged by RCMP with sexual assault and touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022.
He pleaded guilty, and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving the accused and the victim over six years.
Crown Prosecutor Samantha Goodine told the court that Sargefield deserved eight years in federal prison for his crimes. She also requested that he be ordered to register with the federal DNA database and the national sex offender registry for 20 years.
A firearms and weapons prohibition was also recommended by the crown, as well as an order that Sargefield be banned from working, volunteering or attending places where children may be present. He had a minimal prior criminal record.
Goodine said the ongoing sexual abuse had a serious impact on the victim, creating a “very dark time” in her life. Sargefield “assaulted her in various sexual ways,” the crown lawyer stated.
Defence Counsel Wanda Severns argued that a three-to-four-year prison sentence suited the accused. Because the defence had lengthy submissions to be made before sentencing, the matter was adjourned.
Judge Karen Lee remanded Sargefield to jail until June 24 at 9:30 a.m. to complete his sentencing hearing.
Two years in prison on sex charge
Ryan Coles, 35, of Drumheller, Alberta, was sentenced to two years in federal prison when he appeared in provincial court on May 26. He pleaded guilty to one sex charge laid by the RCMP.
Judge Brian C. McLean also ordered Coles to register with the federal DNA database and the national sex offender registry for 20 years. The accused was also banned from attending places where children may be present, and he cannot work or volunteer around children.
Coles was charged with touching a female minor for a sexual purpose, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault in connection with an incident on Sept. 2, 2022, in Perth-Andover.
On Oct. 9, 2024, Coles appeared in provincial court for the continuation of his trial and changed his plea to guilty of touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable). The crown withdrew the remaining two charges.
The court heard the victim testified at length during the trial about being sexually assaulted by the accused. A Snapchat conversation was also entered into evidence by the crown.
Defence Counsel T.J. Burke said his client was remorseful and had no prior criminal record. Burke argued that Coles had a positive pre-sentence report and a good work history, but lost his job as a result of the charges. The defence said the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence.
Charged with drug trafficking
Samantha Graham, 34, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear in provincial court on June 16 at 9:30 a.m. to answer three charges laid by Woodstock Police. She was scheduled for plea on May 27 when the matter was adjourned at the request of her defence counsel.
Graham was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling it, and possession of a prohibited weapon (a spring-action knife) in connection with an incident on Aug. 8 and 9, 2024, in Woodstock.
Sentencing set on multiple charges
Kyle Laurie Williams, 36, of Clearview, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 27 and changed his plea to guilty on multiple charges laid by the RCMP. His sentencing date was set for July 4 at 1:30 p.m.
Williams pleaded guilty to breaching a release order (no-contact) and two counts of criminal harassment concerning incidents in Aroostook between Feb. 27 and March 29. The harassment charges involve texting a female victim and allegedly placing an electronic tracking system in her vehicle.
He also pleaded guilty to criminal harassment (60 text messages) and breaching a no-contact order between Jan. 27 and Feb. 1 in Aroostook. The crown withdrew another charge.
Williams also pleaded guilty to a charge of transmitting intimate images without consent concerning an incident on June 4, 2023, at Centreville and guilty to driving while suspended.
He was denied bail when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 17 after being arrested for breaching his release order.
Released with conditions
Henry Douglas Oakes, 54, of Fredericton, formerly of Greenfield, appeared in court in custody on May 27 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He was released with conditions until his trial.
Oakes is scheduled for trial in provincial court on Jan. 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 4 and was released with conditions.
He was charged by Woodstock Police with impaired driving on Aug. 6, 2024, and theft from the Superstore on July 12, 2024, in Woodstock. RCMP also charged him with breach of an undertaking on May 15, 2024, at Florenceville-Bristol.
Wotstak man back in custody
Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 27 after being arrested for breaching his release order. His plea was adjourned until he returns to court in custody by video for a bail hearing on May 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Christian appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 1 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but he returned to custody.
He was charged by Woodstock Police with breach of a release order (house arrest) on April 16 at Wotstak and breach of a no-contact order on April 14 in Woodstock.
He was also charged with assault and unlawful confinement between June 29, 2024, and July 4, 2024, at Wotstak; assault and two counts of assault by choking in Fredericton between Feb. 10 and Feb. 19; and mischief causing property damage to a cell phone between Feb. 10 and Feb. 19 at Wotstak.
He was also charged with assaulting another man with a weapon (a knife), uttering threats and mischief causing property damage to a window in connection with an incident on April 8 in Lansdowne.
Christian also faces charges laid by Woodstock Police following an assault outside the Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 14, 2024. Police were called to the scene, and a man was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Christian was charged with indictable aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
He also appeared in provincial court on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to another indictable assault charge laid by Woodstock Police. His trial was set for April 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Christian pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault concerning an incident on March 25 at the AYR Motor Centre. Woodstock. Police said a 16-year-old victim suffered significant injuries in the incident and was transported to the Upper River Valley Hospital for treatment.
Plea postponed on four charges
Kayla Dawn Tibbits, 32, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on June 17 at 9:30 a.m. to answer four charges laid by Woodstock Police. She appeared in court on May 27 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Tibbits was charged with breach of probation, theft, fraud involving a credit card, and possession of stolen property concerning three recent incidents in Woodstock. She told the court she did not yet have legal counsel.
Returning for plea
Nekko Dominique, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on May 26 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Dominique appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 15 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
RCMP charged him with breaching a release order (curfew), theft, and breach of probation for an incident on April 12 at Neqotkuk.
Returning to court June 2
Larry Shane Kennedy, 50, of Kirkland, and Joshua Sterling Trail, 42, of Benton, will appear in provincial court on June 2 at 9:30 a.m. to answer several charges laid by RCMP.
They were each charged with possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine, both for the purpose of trafficking on Feb. 16 in Kirkland; indictable robbery of a motor vehicle on Feb. 5 at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation); illegal possession of a firearm (a Russian SKS semi-automatic rifle), and improper storage of a gun on Feb. 16 at Kirkland.
Trail pleaded not guilty on all counts and is awaiting a trial date. Kennedy’s plea was adjourned to allow him more time to consult his lawyer.
Trail appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 22 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including a curfew and the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He will be residing at a residence in Ashland. Judge Henrik Tonning ordered him to have no contact with Kennedy during his release.
On Feb. 18, Kennedy appeared in court in custody and was released with conditions, including house arrest and the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Trail was also charged with fraudulent impersonation for a separate incident on Dec. 9, 2024, at Richmond Corner. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was rescheduled for March 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Trail was also charged with breaking into a dwelling house on Charlotte Street to commit mischief, unlawful entry for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of break-in tools, possession of a stolen Blue Cross card, mischief causing property damage to a door, interfering with the lawful use of property, and illegal possession of methamphetamine for an incident between Sept. 6-7, 2024, in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for Sept. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
A co-accused, Dynielle Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on May 13 to answer to the same list of charges for the alleged break-in on Charlotte Street. Her plea was adjourned to June 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Demerchant is also awaiting a new trial date on other separate charges of possession of stolen property and breach of probation concerning an incident on Sept. 17, 2024, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty.
Coldstream man awaiting plea
Damian Oakes, 26, of Coldstream, appeared in provincial court on May 27 to answer two new charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Oakes was charged with uttering threats and unlawful entry at a dwelling house in connection with an incident on Dec. 2, 2024, at Coldstream.
He also appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by the RCMP. On Tuesday, new trial dates were set for April 10, 2026, and April 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Oakes was charged with indictable sexual assault, touching for a sexual purpose, and using a weapon to commit an assault (a lighter) in connection with an incident between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 13, 2021. A pre-trial conference will be held on Oct. 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Plea adjourned
Gabriel John Tomah, 21, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on May 27 for plea on several charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
RCMP charged Tomah with sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, pointing a firearm at another person, and possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence. He appeared in court in custody on May 7 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Awaiting plea
Brett Roger Chase, 26, of Central Waterville, appeared in provincial court on May 27 to answer one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until July 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Chase was charged with fleeing police following an incident in Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant and released with conditions after failing to appear in court on March 18.
Charges withdrawn
The crown withdrew two charges laid against Thomas Perley of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) when he appeared for trial in provincial court on May 26.
Perley was charged with refusing a breathalyzer and leaving the scene of an accident stemming from an incident on March 29, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded not guilty.
Plea still pending
Austin Aubin, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court via teleconference on May 26 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until June 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Aubin appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on May 2 and was released with conditions.
He was charged with breaching a no-contact order on April 29 in Aroostook. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on April 28. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
Aubin is residing at a residence in Campbellton. He was arrested on the Easter weekend for allegedly breaching his release order.
Aubin was also charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it, breach of probation, unsafe storage of a firearm, and possession of a firearm without a licence concerning a March 27 incident at Neqotkuk.
Charged with fleeing police
Olivia Annette Young, 32, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on June 17 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police. She was scheduled for plea on May 27 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Young was charged with fleeing police, stemming from another incident on Aug. 17, 2024, in Woodstock.
She appeared in provincial court on April 29 and pleaded not guilty to two other charges laid by Woodstock Police. Her trial was set for Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Young was charged with flight from police and dangerous driving concerning an incident on Sept. 13, 2024, in Woodstock. She is also awaiting trial on Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. in relation to a charge of breaching her curfew.
Awaiting legal counsel
McKayla Ruth McLaughlin, 22, of Pembroke, appeared in provincial court on May 27 to answer two charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until June 10 at 9:30 a.m. to allow her more time to consult legal counsel.
McLaughlin was charged with assault with a weapon (hot coffee) and assault causing bodily harm in connection with an incident on May 24, 2023, in Woodstock.
Trial date in August
Kyle Carter, 30, of Moncton, formerly of Jacksontown, appeared in provincial court on May 27 for monitoring about his trial. He informed the court he did not yet have legal counsel to proceed to trial.
Carter’s trial will be held on Aug. 8 at 9:30 a.m. after he pleaded not guilty to one charge laid by the RCMP. RCMP charged him with break, enter and theft at a dwelling house on Route 103 in Wakefield on Aug. 21, 2019.
Perth-Andover man awaiting trial
Miguel Downer of Perth-Andover will appear for trial in provincial court on June 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., after pleading not guilty to a stolen property charge laid by RCMP.
Downer was charged with possessing a stolen motorcycle on Aug. 7, 2024, in Wilmot. He appeared in court in custody via teleconference on May 6 and was released with conditions. A monitoring date for his trial was set for March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
