Four years in prison for manufacturing firearms
Kevin Manuel Cedros, 42, of Aroostook Junction, was sentenced to four years in federal prison when he appeared in provincial court on April 14 after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the manufacture of firearms using a 3D printer.
After handing down the sentence, Judge Henrik Tonning noted the case could be the first of its kind in Canada. The judge imposed a lifetime firearms prohibition on the accused.
“This is not to be tolerated and has to be deterred,” Judge Tonning said. “Firearms are becoming a real problem in this jurisdiction. The number of guns flying around the county is staggering. They’re everywhere and bad things can happen.”
Tonning said Cedros was not operating a major commercial business in the manufacture of firearms, and there was no evidence he was selling guns on the Internet. However, he did offer to sell a handgun for $500 to another man who visited Cedros’ residence, saw his guns and 3D printer, and reported him to the police.
“This whole thing is kind of creepy, making guns, firing them, showing them off, and then threatening the person who reported him,” Tonning stated.
Cedros pleaded guilty to manufacturing firearms with a 3D printer, possession of computer data and a 3D printer for the manufacture of firearms, possessing and transferring firearms, possession of weapons dangerous to the public peace (3D printed handguns); and two counts of possession of restricted firearms (3D printed) and ammunition without a licence.
RCMP laid the charges concerning incidents between Jan. 1, 2022, and Aug. 16, 2024, in Aroostook. He was also charged with uttering threats against another man on Aug. 15, 2024.
Crown Prosecutor Derek Weaver recommended a federal prison sentence of four and a half years for Cedros, explaining gun crime calls for severe penalties in Canada.
“If not caught, we do not know how many guns he would have produced,” Weaver said. “This troubling behaviour is not something we want in our communities.”
Defence Counsel Alex Carleton suggested Cedros was a “flippant” trafficker of firearms who had a hobby for making guns. He said his client was not a career criminal, and his crimes were connected to the drug trade. Cedros lived alone and was unemployed. He had a dated prior criminal record.
RCMP arrested Cedros after police received a report about a person manufacturing and selling 3D-printed firearms at a residence on Route 130 in Aroostook. Search warrants were executed, and police uncovered 3D-printed firearms, ammunition, numerous gun parts, a 3D printer, prohibited magazines and electronic devices. All items used in committing the offence were forfeited to the crown.
In custody for bail hearing
Allan McLaughlin, 63, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on April 14. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on April 17 at 1:30 p.m.
McLaughlin was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (a nine-millimetre handgun), pointing a firearm at a female victim, assault with a weapon (a handgun), and careless use of a firearm in connection with an incident on April 13 in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainants.
Released with ankle bracelet
Nekko Dominique, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), 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. He will reside in Carlingford and return to court for plea on May 6 at 9:30 a.m.
RCMP charged Dominique with breaching a release order (curfew) for an incident on April 12 at Neqotkuk. The court heard more charges are pending for May 6.
Dominique is also scheduled to stand trial on April 25 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to other charges of breaking into a dwelling house, possession of break-in tools, and wearing a mask with intent to commit an indictable offence following an incident on Feb. 10, 2024, at a residence in Neqotkuk.
Wotstak man pleads not guilty
Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to an 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.
Christian also appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 10 for a bail hearing on other charges laid by RCMP. He was released from custody with conditions including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.
He was 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. He returns to court for plea on April 29 at 9:30 a.m.
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 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 returns to court on April 29 at 9:30 a.m. for election and plea.
Sentenced to house arrest
Justin Nye, 40, of Staples Settlement, was sentenced on April 15 to three months of house arrest after pleading guilty to a flight charge laid by RCMP.
Nye pleaded guilty to fleeing police following a car crash in Oakland in 2020. He will be able to attend work during his house arrest. The last 45 days of his sentence will involve following a curfew.
The court heard Nye is working full-time and supporting his family. An ankle bracelet was removed following the disposition of his sentence on Tuesday. He had a dated prior criminal record. Four other charges were withdrawn.
Conditional discharge
Mus-Hun Muwin, 43, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), received a conditional discharge when she appeared in provincial court for sentencing on April 15. She pleaded guilty to fraud.
The court heard Muwin had deposited a $326 cheque into her bank account, which did not belong to her. The single incident in June 2022 was related to a series of fraudulent cheques that were circulating in the community. The cheques, totalling $67,000, were copied and altered from a social services cheque that belonged to the band office. They were cashed illegally by several individuals through digital transfer.
Judge Karen Lee told the court that Muwin played only a minor role in the community fraud scheme. She had no prior criminal record. The crown withdrew a mischief charge and a charge of failing to appear in court.
Sentencing set for fraud
Beverley Dawn Kenneson, 53, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court on April 15 and changed her plea to guilty on a fraud charge laid by RCMP. Her sentencing date was set for July 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Kenneson was charged with shoplifting and defrauding Smith Drugs Ltd., stemming from an incident between July 11 and July 23, 2022, in Florenceville-Bristol. She pleaded guilty to the fraud, and the crown withdrew the shoplifting charge.
Coldstream man awaiting plea
Damian Oakes, 26, of Coldstream, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to answer two new charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 6 at 9:30 a.m.
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 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.
Charged with mischief
Sheila Ann Paul, 55, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to a mischief charge laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Jan. 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Paul was charged with mischief causing property damage to a shed concerning an incident on Sept. 24, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
New trial date
Cindy Demerchant, 53, of Lower Kintore, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to set a new date for her trial on charges laid by RCMP. Her trial was rescheduled for Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Demerchant was charged by RCMP with break and enter and theft of food and money from Tim Hortons in Perth-Andover on May 9, 2024. She pleaded not guilty.
Trial on threat charges
Jennifer Everett of Perth-Andover appeared in provincial court via teleconference on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to a series of threat charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for April 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Everett appeared in provincial court in custody on March 25 and was released with conditions. She was charged with three counts of uttering threats on Feb. 11, 2025, on July 23, 2024, and on Sept. 6, 2023, in Perth-Andover.
Charged with identity theft
Christopher Isaiah Eatmon, 30, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on May 13 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on four charges laid by Woodstock Police. He was scheduled to enter a plea on April 15 when the matter was adjourned to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.
Eatmon was charged with two counts of forgery related to a First Nations status card, identity theft, and fraudulent impersonation for an incident on Oct. 7, 2024, in Woodstock. He appeared in court on April 15 via teleconference.
Plea adjourned to new date
Zachery Don Brooks, 21, of Peel, appeared in provincial court for plea on April 15 on charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 29 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.
Brooks appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 20 and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with assaulting a female victim, assault by choking, unlawful confinement and mischief causing property damage to a cell phone on Feb. 12 at Lower Brighton.
Woodstock Police charged him with assaulting a female victim and unlawful confinement for an incident on Feb. 19 in Woodstock. Brooks also faces a charge of assaulting another woman on Nov. 24, 2024, in Lower Brighton.
Juniper man to stand trial
Jeffrey Pike, 29, of Juniper, appeared in provincial court via teleconference on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to two sets of charges laid by RCMP. His trial dates were set for May 1, 2026, and May 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Pike was charged with two counts of assault involving a female victim on Dec. 25, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, at Juniper; assault with a weapon (a dresser), and uttering threats between Dec. 25, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, at Juniper.
He also appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 14 on four other charges laid by RCMP and was released with conditions.
Pike was charged with two counts of breaching an undertaking (no contact order) on Feb. 7 and Feb. 9 at Juniper and breach of an undertaking and obstructing the course of justice on Feb. 10 at Juniper. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant as part of his release.
Agreed to peace bond
Nicole Gagnon, 42, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to answer an assault charge. She agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond and the matter did not proceed.
RCMP charged Gagnon with assaulting a male victim in connection with an incident on July 1, 2024, at Bath. The peace bond will result in the charge being withdrawn.
Alleged assault at Dead Creek
Bradley Collicott, 50, of Dead Creek, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to answer an assault charge. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
RCMP charged Collicott with assault involving a female victim following an incident on Nov. 3, 2024, at Dead Creek. He was released on an undertaking until his next court appearance.
Facing new charge
Lisa Barrett, 49, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to face a new charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Barrett was charged with assault involving a male victim in connection with an incident on Aug. 4, 2024, at Woodstock.
She also appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Barrett was charged with uttering threats and obstructing the course of justice for an incident on Aug. 24, 2024, at Wicklow. She was released on an undertaking until her next court appearance.
Returning for plea
Brett Roger Chase, 26, of Central Waterville, appeared in provincial court on April 15 to answer one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until May 6 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal 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.
Awaiting trial for impaired
Randall Flewelling, 59, of Richmond Corner, will appear for trial in provincial court on April 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP.
Flewelling was charged with impaired driving and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on Oct. 19, 2024, at Benton. Defence Counsel James Crocco entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf on April 15.
Not-guilty plea
Kelsey Schriver, 25, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court on April 15 and pleaded not guilty to a stolen property charge laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for April 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Schriver was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle following an incident on Aug. 4, 2024, in Lakeville.
Plea adjourned to new date
Earl James Demerchant, 35, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on May 6 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on charges laid by Woodstock Police. He was scheduled to be in court on April 15 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Demerchant appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on March 10 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him with breaching his release order for an incident on March 8.
Woodstock Police also charged Demerchant with assaulting police, resisting arrest and breach of probation following an incident on Jan. 12 in Woodstock. RCMP also charged him with breach of probation for an incident on Nov. 3, 2024, in Waterville.
Seeking resolution
Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on April 29 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an assault charge. The matter was scheduled for April 15 but was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard a resolution is being sought with the crown.
Calhoun was charged by Woodstock Police with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30, 2024, in Woodstock.
Guilty plea pending
Andrew Muir Cossio, 22, of Victoria Corner, will appear in provincial court on April 16 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an impaired driving charge.
Woodstock Police charged Cossio with impaired driving following an incident on Nov. 17, 2024, in Woodstock. He told the court on April 15 that he intended to plead guilty to the charge.
Warrant on file
Joshua Desroches, 20, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on May 13 at 9:30 a.m. to address several matters before the court. He failed to appear on April 15, and a warrant will be held on file.
Desroches appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. On Tuesday, the court heard the crown diverted certain charges to the alternative measures program.
Woodstock Police charged Desroches with assault in connection with an incident on July 10, 2024, in Woodstock.
He pleaded not guilty to another charge of breaching an undertaking by violating a no-contact order stemming from an incident on Sept. 25, 2023, near Woodstock. He was arrested and later released from custody with conditions with an order to attend court and have no contact with the complainant. The court heard he also has other charges in Fredericton.
Couple facing multiple charges
A Neqotkuk couple appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 15 to answer multiple charges laid by RCMP.
Nicholas Paul, 47, and his wife, Jennifer Louise Paul, 45, were arrested at Tobique First Nation. They have been in custody for several months.
Jennifer Paul was denied bail in December and intends to make an application for bail review at the Court of King’s Bench. She was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence and being an occupant of a vehicle, knowing it carried a gun for an incident on Sept. 25, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty. A new date for her trial will be set for May 15 at 9:30 a.m.
At the time of their arrest, they were each charged by RCMP with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew another charge of trafficking in cocaine on March 18. They pleaded not guilty, and their trial date was set for July 14 and July 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Jennifer Paul was also charged with breach of a release order (no weapons), possession of a stolen licence plate, possession of a prohibited weapon (a collapsible baton) without a licence, and possession of currency obtained by crime for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty. A new date for her trial will be confirmed on May 15.
Nicholas Paul was also charged with breach of a release order and driving while prohibited on Sept. 22-24, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and breach of a release order (no drugs), possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a stolen licence plate on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He will enter a plea on April 24 at 9:30 a.m. A bail hearing has also been scheduled for him at that time.
Jennifer Paul was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, breach of probation and possession of a stolen credit card for an incident on Sept. 12, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty. A new date for her trial will be set on May 15.
