Two American citizens from the mid-western United States appeared Feb. 23 in provincial court in custody by video after they were arrested at the international border on their way to the Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races in Woodstock.
Ronald Dean Thuerauf, 66, and Amy Elaine Adkins, 57, were travelling from Ohio and North Dakota when they were detained by Woodstock border officials under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They were charged and held in jail over the weekend to await a bail hearing.
On Monday, Thuerauf waived bail and pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Adkins to not report for examination as required. Adkins also waived bail and pleaded guilty to failing to appear for examination as required.
Judge Rose Campbell sentenced each of them to seven days in jail or time served.
“It was a stupid decision,” Adkins told the court in tears. “I’m truly sorry.”
Defense Counsel Lindsay Paul said both accused expected to be deported by immigration officials and fees would be imposed to get their vehicles back. Paul said it was unlikely the pair would return to Canada.
The court heard Thuerauf was driving a truck and hauling a trailer when he pulled up to the border crossing on Feb. 19. Border officials inspected the trailer and found a snowmobile, couch, mini-fridge and bed inside, with Adkins hiding under the covers.
“Okay, you got me,” Adkins said upon being discovered.
The vehicles were seized and the pair was arrested. They had no prior criminal records.
