Accused halts sentencing on sex charge
A River de Chute man, facing jail on a sex charge, told the court he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea during his sentencing hearing in provincial court on Oct. 1.
Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with 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 Sargefield and the victim.
“That wasn’t all of it,” Sargefield said when Judge Karen Lee asked if he agreed with the facts presented.
Judge Lee called a recess so defence counsel Lindsay Paul could speak to the accused. When court resumed, Sargefield said he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea and his sentencing was halted. His lawyer then asked to be removed as solicitor of record.
Judge Lee scheduled a hearing for Nov. 12 at 1:30 p.m., at which time Sargefield must present legal arguments to have his guilty plea reversed.
To do so, Sargefield must prove he was unaware of the allegations and charges, that he was unaware of the effect and consequences of his guilty plea, that his plea was not made voluntarily, and that his plea was equivocal in nature.
Two other sex charges, which were to be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing, will remain before the court as a result of Sargefield’s request to take back his guilty plea.
Decision reserved on sentence for wrong-lane driver
Logan Sanders, 25, of Bloomfield, appeared in custody in provincial court on Oct. 1 for sentencing on charges related to an accident caused by a wrong-lane driver on the Trans Canada Highway near Nackawic on April 26.
After hearing submissions from both the crown and defence counsel, Judge Karen Lee reserved her decision on sentence until Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Crown Prosecutor Cathleen Trafton recommended 10 to 14 months in jail for the accused, minus time served and a two-year driving prohibition.
The crown lawyer said Sanders exhibited “incredibly dangerous behaviour” on the highway and created a public safety risk that threatened the lives of the victims in the other vehicle. A Plaster Rock woman and three youths were not injured.
Defence Counsel Brent Dickinson asked for time served, followed by house arrest. Sanders has been in custody since the accident last spring. Dickinson said his client struggles with mental health issues, and his condition was not improving during his incarceration.
“He tells me he is deteriorating in jail,” Dickinson stated, adding that Sanders was willing to undergo treatment and mental health counselling for anger management and social anxiety.
Sanders told the court he would also take a job as long as it did not involve a lot of social interaction with others. He had no prior criminal record.
During an earlier court hearing, a video of the accident was played as recorded by the dash cam of the eastbound vehicle Sanders met on the highway. The court heard screams from inside the vehicle as it swerved to avoid Sanders in an oncoming car and then rolled over in a ditch on the four-lane highway at 5:46 p.m.
Sanders sped on and didn’t stop for the accident. The next morning, he was arrested near the Woodstock/Houlton border after being spotted driving a speeding car with a damaged front bumper in downtown Woodstock.
Sanders pleaded guilty to indictable dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Sanders also pleaded guilty to committing mischief by damaging a woodstove, walls, door, and table at a residence in Dec. 2023 in Bloomfield; guilty to two counts of uttering threats on Sept. 1, 2023, in Bloomfield; and guilty to mischief by damaging doors, windows, and the interior of a camp on Oct. 1-31, 2023, in Maple Ridge. The crown requested a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation for these offences.
Another charge of assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a male victim on Sept. 1, 2023, in Bloomfield was withdrawn by the crown. Sanders was remanded after the accident and denied bail on May 30.
DeLong awaits federal sentence
A Cloverdale man is still awaiting sentence for his involvement in an exchange of gunfire with police last July.
Wyatt DeLong, 28, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Oct. 1. He pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm with intent at a police officer, flight from police, dangerous driving, and indictable breach of probation in connection with a police chase on July 14, 2023, near Florenceville-Bristol. DeLong has been in custody since his arrest and has a prior criminal record.
Chief Judge Brian C. McLean adjourned sentencing until Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of defence counsel Alex Pate. The crown also noted the submission of a victim impact statement was still due from the police officer involved in the shooting.
During an earlier court hearing, Crown Prosecutor Wesley McIntosh recommended a seven-year prison sentence for DeLong. Pate requested four years, the minimum sentence for the offence under the Criminal Code. Any sentence imposed will be minus the time served.
DeLong and a co-accused, Janis Buchanan, 28, of Perth-Andover, were arrested by RCMP after a manhunt in Victoria County following a series of incidents in the upper river valley.
Buchanan appeared in provincial court in custody by video in September 2023 and pleaded guilty to robbery with violence for an incident on May 29, 2023, at Florenceville-Bristol. She was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
Remanded for bail hearing
Marc Morin, 24, of Aroostook, appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on Oct. 1 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He was remanded for a bail hearing on Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
RCMP charged Morin with possessing a stolen snowmobile and obstructing a police officer in connection with an incident on March 6, 2023, in Carlingford. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set.
On Oct. 1, he was also charged with breaching a release order by failing to appear for trial on July 15.
Newburg man returning for plea
Jeffrey Richard Bull, 45, of Newburg, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 for plea on two charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.
Bull appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged with aggravated assault and breach of probation concerning an incident on Sept. 8 at 2 a.m. when a man suffered a broken elbow after being struck by a bat on St. James Street in Woodstock. The alleged victim was a newcomer to the town for only three days.
Bull was ordered to live in Newburg. He must not contact the complainant, stay away from St. James Street, Woodstock, and have no weapons in his possession.
Windsor man to stand trial
Jacob Alexander Roy, 26, of Windsor, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial dates were set for Aug. 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and Sept. 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Roy appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Sept. 9 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
He was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine, both for the purpose of trafficking, breach of a release order, possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace in connection with an incident in Woodstock on Aug. 3.
Arthurette man awaiting trial
Johnny Lee Bloodsworth, 39, of Arthurette, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 to be monitored regarding his trial on multiple charges laid by the RCMP. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for May 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, he confirmed he has legal counsel to proceed to trial.
Bloodsworth was charged with sexual assault, two counts of touching a minor for a sexual purpose, and uttering threats in connection with an incident between April 1, 2023 and Sept. 1, 2023, at Arthurette.
He also faces several firearm charges for a separate incident on June 14 at Arthurette, including possession of multiple shotguns and rifles without a licence, possession of a prohibited firearm with ready ammunition, and possession of several restricted firearms without a licence.
Bloodsworth appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 25 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was ordered to follow a curfew and reside in Grand Falls.
Newburg woman fined $2,600
Patricia Ann Claus, 29, of Newburg, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 and pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand. She was fined $2,600 and was prohibited from driving for one year.
Woodstock Police charged Claus in connection with an incident on Feb. 12 in Woodstock. The court heard police received a report about an impaired driver leaving the Woodstock Legion around 12:14 a.m. She was stopped by police on Main Street and failed a roadside test but then refused to provide a breath sample at the police station. The crown withdrew another charge of impaired driving. Claus had no prior criminal record.
Trial date set on multiple charges
Trevor Gerald McDougall, 32, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 1 and pleaded not guilty to a series of charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial dates were set for Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. and Jan. 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
McDougall appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 4 and was denied bail. He was charged with breach of a release order on Aug. 31 in Woodstock, two counts of breaching an emergency intervention order on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and breach of a no-contact order on Sept. 1.
Woodstock Police also charged McDougall with assault involving a female victim on July 26 and then uttering threats and assaulting the same woman on Aug. 21 at a residence in Woodstock. He has a dated prior criminal record.
A monitoring date for his trial was scheduled for Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. He remains in custody.
Woodstock man entering rehab
Jack Michael Pirie, 20, of Woodstock, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Oct. 1 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police. The court heard Pirie was entering a rehab facility for three months so the matter was adjourned for plea and monitoring until Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.
Pirie was charged with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats in connection with an incident on May 1-2 in Woodstock.
He was also charged with assaulting police with intent to resist arrest on June 8 in Woodstock. Pirie appeared in provincial court in custody on June 10 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.
Facing fraud charge
Anita Albert, 51, of Plaster Rock, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on a fraud charge.
RCMP charged Albert with defrauding the Timbertown Lounge during an incident on Sept. 11, 2022, in Plaster Rock. She appeared in court on Oct. 1 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.
Plea adjourned on two charges
Cindy Demerchant, 53, of Lower Kintore, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. to answer two charges related to a break-in at the local Tim Hortons.
Demerchant was charged by RCMP with break and enter and theft of food and money from Tim Hortons in Perth-Andover on May 9. She was scheduled for plea on Oct. 1 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.
Charged with pointing firearm
Tyler Tibbits, 29, of Richmond Corner, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. to answer three charges laid by RCMP.
Tibbits was charged with two counts of pointing a firearm at another person and possession of a firearm without a licence in connection with an incident on Dec. 23, 2023, at Mapledale. He appeared in court on Oct. 1 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.
Lakeville man to enter plea
Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.
Stewart appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 8 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged with breaking into a dwelling house on May 25 in Killoween and possessing a stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville.
Plea adjourned on four charges
Logan Estey, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 to answer four charges. The matter was adjourned for plea until Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.
Woodstock Police charged Estey with two counts of breaching a no-contact order concerning an incident on Aug. 3 in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no further contact with the complainant. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 8 and was released with conditions.
He was also charged with mischief causing property damage to a window and possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing an offence in connection with an incident on Jan. 1 in Upper Woodstock.
Moved to alternative measures
Jessica Samantha Armour, 28, of Bath, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 to set a date for her trial on an assault charge. With the crown’s consent, the matter was moved to the alternative measures program.
Woodstock Police charged Armour with assaulting another woman concerning an incident between Feb. 15 and Feb. 29 in Woodstock. She has until Jan. 7, 2025, to complete the requirements of the alternative measures program in order to have the charge withdrawn.
Charged with assault
Joey Spencer, 37, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 for plea on an assault charge. The matter was adjourned until Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
RCMP charged Spencer with assault involving a female victim stemming from an incident on June 29 at Perth-Andover.
Plea pending on one charge
Stephen Manfred Spiegler, 60, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Spiegler was charged with driving while suspended and shoplifting at the Atlantic Superstore following incidents on Feb. 9 and Feb. 26 in Woodstock.
The shoplifting charge was moved to the alternative measures program. He returns for plea on the driving charge on Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Nortondale woman charged
Kayley Briand, 23, of Nortondale, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an impaired driving charge.
Woodstock Police charged Briand in connection with an incident on May 17 in Woodstock. She appeared in court on Oct. 1 when the matter was adjourned to the new date to allow her more time to secure legal counsel.
Jacksontown woman awaiting trial
Bonnie Noel, 55, of Jacksontown, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Aug. 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Noel was charged with assault, breaching an undertaking, and breaching a peace bond for an incident on Aug. 6.
She also appeared in provincial court in July for monitoring about her trial on other charges laid by RCMP.
She was charged with assault on a male victim and resisting arrest, stemming from an incident on Jan. 19 near North Lake. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial dates were set for Oct. 28 and Nov. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Noel was also charged with breach of an undertaking (no contact) on Feb. 18 at Canterbury, breach of an undertaking (no contact) and breach of curfew on April 1 at North Lake, and breach of an undertaking (no contact) on Jan. 21 at North Lake.
She pleaded not guilty and more trial dates were set for March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and June 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Awaiting sentence on drug charge
Bronwyn Barbara Thomas, 23, of Bloomfield, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. after changing her plea to guilty on a drug charge.
RCMP charged Thomas with attempting to possess methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on March 2, 2022, near Centreville.
Trial to resume on sex charges
Matthew Eric Hughes, 28, of Perth-Andover, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. for the continuation of his trial on two sex charges laid by RCMP.
RCMP charged Hughes with touching a minor for a sexual purpose and invitation to touching for a sexual purpose, stemming from an incident on Oct. 20, 2015, near Perth-Andover. He pleaded not guilty.
Trial to continue about altercation with police
Tina Noella Albert, 53, of Craig’s Flats, Victoria County, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. to continue her trial on three charges laid by RCMP.
Albert was charged with resisting arrest, uttering threats, and assaulting a police officer concerning an incident on Oct. 4, 2022, near Perth-Andover. Testimony was heard in June when the trial was adjourned.
At an earlier court appearance, Albert told the judge she had filed an official complaint against the police officer involved in the incident, which resulted in the officer’s transfer out of Perth-Andover.
Accused moved to Ontario
Krista Lynn Turner, 43, formerly of Woodstock, is scheduled to appear for trial in provincial for Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 3, 2023, and was released with conditions. Following an incident on Nov. 2, 2023, in Woodstock, she was charged with assault and breach of a release order.
Turner was also charged with assault with a weapon (shards of glass) and breach of an undertaking concerning incidents on April 29 and April 30, 2023, in Woodstock.
She appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 4, 2023, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. She was later taken back into custody. The court heard Turner was moving to Ontario to be with her family.
Sentencing adjourned due to illness
Rhonda Perley, 59, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was scheduled for sentencing in provincial court on Oct. 1 when the matter was adjourned.
Perley pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine for an incident on Feb. 27, 2020, at Neqotkuk. The court heard she could not appear for sentencing due to serious health issues. A warrant is being held on file until her next court appearance on Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m.
The crown said an adjournment was also needed to deal with a disclosure issue before sentencing.
A co-accused, Jeffrey Phillips, 60, of Neqotkuk, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for drug trafficking when he appeared in provincial court on April 3.
Phillips pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Feb. 28, 2020, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew two other charges. Phillips had a prior criminal record for drug possession.
RCMP charged them after undercover police officers purchased cocaine from them at their home in Neqotkuk. The crown said the officers dealt with Phillips to make the purchase, but Perley was inside the house and aware of what was happening. Perley also talked to the officers about the deal and possible future deals.
