Held for bail hearing on 13 charges

1. Held for bail hearing on 13 charges

Philip Sapper-Solomon, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 19 for a bail hearing on 13 charges laid by RCMP. The bail hearing was adjourned until Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Police arrested Sappier-Solomon in connection with an incident on Sept. 17 near Beechwood.

Police charged him with possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun) while prohibited; possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence; two counts of possession of a restricted weapon without a licence; being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm; possession of a loaded, restricted firearm (a handgun); assault and assault by choking involving a female victim; assault with a weapon (a cell phone); two counts of uttering threats; committing mischief causing property damage to a phone and tires, and mischief causing damage to a police vehicle.

2. Trial adjourned twice on seven charges

Zachary Benjamin Ivey, 24, of Dead Creek, was scheduled for trial in provincial court on Sept. 18 after pleading not guilty to seven charges laid by RCMP. Court adjourned the matter for monitoring until Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

On Sept. 14, Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul withdrew from the case, telling the court she could not contact her client for months to prepare for his trial.

Ivey was also scheduled for trial on Aug. 25, 2022, but it did not proceed since the defence had yet to receive disclosure on his file.

On Monday, Judge Claude Haché told the accused that legal counsel would be appointed to assist with cross-examining certain crown witnesses. Ivey must return to court on Oct. 3 to set a new trial date.

Police charged Ivey with uttering threats at Pole Hill on Feb. 15, 2021; pointing a firearm at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats in relation to another incident on Dec. 28, 2020, at Pole Hill. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Jan. 26, 2022.

3. Woodstock man facing more charges 

Myles Andrew Dymond, 49, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on several charges.

Dymond appeared in court on Sept. 19 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Dymond first appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 28 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him with breach of an undertaking by failing to abide by a no-contact order following an incident on Aug. 26 in Woodstock.

On Sept. 19, he faced new charges of assault on a female victim on March 26 at Bedell, uttering threats on June 18 in Woodstock, and breach of a no-contact order between Aug. 19 and Aug. 21 in Woodstock.

The court released Dymond on an undertaking to have no contact with the complainant. It also prohibited him from the use of firearms.

4. Conditional sentence for Woodstock man

Christopher Joseph Losier, 36, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and received a four-month conditional sentence and 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to two charges by Woodstock Police.

As part of his sentence, Losier must follow a curfew and attend counselling as required. Police charged him with dangerous driving and flight from police following an incident on July 18, 2021, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew a third charge of driving while suspended.

Losier had a prior record that included 21 previous motor vehicle offences. A police vehicle was damaged during the incident.

The court heard he was remorseful for his actions, apologized to the police, and was upgrading his education to become a skilled tradesman.

5. Suspended sentence, probation for a local woman

Cara Ann Anderson, 35, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

The RCMP charged Anderson with assaulting another woman, forcible confinement, theft of a motor vehicle (a 2013 Hyundai Elantra), fleeing police, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and committing mischief causing property damage concerning an incident on Aug. 16, 2022, near Beechwood.

She pleaded guilty to assault, taking a vehicle without consent, and resisting arrest. The crown withdrew the remaining charges.

Anderson had no prior criminal record. She apologized to the court for her actions. The court heard she was undergoing counselling for mental health and addiction. Anderson was ordered to have no contact with the complainant and must continue counselling as required.

6. Not guilty after trial on sex charge

Matthew White, 41, of Upper Woodstock, was found not guilty after trial on a sex charge when he appeared in provincial court on Sept. 15.

The RCMP charged White with invitation to touching for a sexual purpose involving a female minor in connection with an incident on July 22, 2022, at Woodstock.

After a day and a half of testimony, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision until Sept. 15. White testified in his own defence during the trial.

7. Released with ankle bracelet

Carolann Paul, 26, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 15 for a bail hearing. She was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle.

She returns to court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. to set a new date for her trial on drug trafficking charges.

Police arrested Paul on a warrant for failing to attend her trial. RCMP charged her with possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, stemming from a police bust on Sept. 23, 2020, at Neqotkuk.

8. Arrest warrant issued

The court issued an arrest warrant for Brittany Francis of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) after she failed to appear in provincial court for sentencing on Sept. 19.

Francis appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on July 14 and was released with conditions. She was charged with breach of a release order and pleaded guilty.

She also appeared in custody on June 19 after being arrested on a warrant.

RCMP charged Francis with shoplifting at the Maliseet Gas Bar in Neqotkuk on June 30, 2022, and two counts of failing to appear in court on Oct. 11, 2022, and again on April 25. She pleaded guilty to the theft and one count of failing to attend court.

9. Charged with theft

Tammy Schloemer, 57, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on April 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to a theft charge.

Woodstock Police charged Schloemer with shoplifting at the Atlantic Superstore concerning an incident on April 20 in Woodstock. She entered her not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 19.

10. Trial continues on several charges

Robert Dale McMann, 47, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court on Sept. 15 after pleading not guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police. He returns to court for the continuation of his trial on Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

McMann pleaded not guilty to unlawful confinement, uttering threats, and assaulting a female victim by choking and attempting to strangle and suffocate her during an alleged Sept. 9, 2021, incident in Woodstock. Woodstock Police laid the charges.

He was also charged with possession of stolen property (an SD card and batteries) owned by Cook Construction Ltd. following an incident on Dec. 22, 2021, in Woodstock.

He is also facing another charge of breaching a no-contact order. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on March 17.

11. Returning to court for plea

Teisha Rose Scott, 23, of Medford, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for plea on one charge. The court adjourned the matter until Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Scott with possession of stolen property (a 2006 Suzuki Aerio) following an incident on Oct. 13, 2021, at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

Scott appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 29. She was arrested on a warrant for a matter in Fredericton. She was arrested on an earlier warrant for failing to appear in court for plea and was released with conditions.

12. Meductic woman to stand trial

Tori Madeline Snow, 20, of Meductic, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid by RCMP. Trial dates were set for July 17, 2024, and July 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Snow with assaulting another woman with a weapon (a metal bar), uttering threats, and theft of a safe following an incident on June 19 at Meductic.

She was also charged with assault causing bodily harm to a male person, committing mischief causing property damage, and break and enter at a dwelling house with intent to commit an assault concerning another incident on July 3 at Meductic.

Snow appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 6 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including a curfew and a no-contact order to stay away from the complainants. She is residing at a residence in Windsor.

13. Charge moved to alternative measures

Diana Cogswell, 21, of Beardsley Road, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 to enter a plea on an assault charge. The matter was diverted to the alternative measures program with the consent of the crown.

Cogswell must complete the program’s requirements by Dec. 12 to have the charge withdrawn. RCMP charged her with assault with a weapon (a cup of hot coffee) following an incident involving another woman on April 18 in Lower Woodstock.

14. Neqotkuk man facing drug trafficking charges

Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for monitoring regarding his upcoming trial on drug trafficking charges. His trial dates were moved to Dec. 14 and Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Perley was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, production of cocaine, unlawful possession of ketamine (a date rape drug) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction, and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2022, at Neqotkuk.

Perley pleaded not guilty in December to other charges laid by RCMP.

RCMP charged him with breaking and entering a dwelling house, possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace, assault with a weapon, and using an imitation firearm in connection with a Dec. 16, 2021, incident in the community. His trial on those charges will be held on Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m.

15. Warrant on file for Woodstock man

Jacob Jinson, 24, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. for monitoring about his upcoming trial. A warrant will be held on file until his court appearance.

Jinson appeared in provincial court on Aug. 29 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. A trial date was set for June 26, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Jinson appeared in court in custody on Aug. 14 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with breach of probation and breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet). Police laid the charges concerning an incident on July 30 in Mainstream. He is now residing at a residence in Somerville.

On June 26, Jinson and Riley Cowper, 19, of Limestone, elected trial by judge and jury on charges of indictable sexual assault and unlawful confinement. Their 10-day trial will be held at the Court of King’s Bench beginning on Sept. 23, 2024.

Jinson appeared in custody by video on April 3. RCMP charged him with sexual assault involving a female victim, unlawful confinement, and breach of probation concerning an incident on March 26 at Limestone. He was released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. The court also ordered him to follow a curfew.

Cowper appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 5 for a bail hearing and was released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. RCMP charged him with sexual assault involving a female victim, unlawful confinement, and breach of probation in connection with the same incident on March 26 at Limestone.

Cowper also faces a charge for another incident at Limestone last year. RCMP charged him with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) involving another man on March 23, 2022.

Cowper pleaded not guilty at an earlier court appearance, and a trial date for provincial court was set for Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

16. In custody awaiting plea

Morgan Nicholas, 27, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 19 for monitoring about his upcoming trial on charges laid by RCMP. He also returns to court on Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. for plea on more charges.

Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 28 for a bail hearing. He was denied bail and remanded. RCMP charged him with two counts of breach of a release order, resisting arrest, uttering threats, assault, assault with a weapon, and assaulting a police officer. He was arrested on the New Brunswick Day weekend.

He also appeared in provincial court in April and pleaded not guilty to all other charges laid by RCMP. Three trials were scheduled for early next year on Feb. 1, Feb. 5, and Feb. 9, 2024.

Nicholas pleaded not guilty to uttering threats on Oct. 18, 2022; assault and assaulting a female with a weapon on Nov. 25, 2022; breach of an undertaking and mischief causing damage to a police safety shield on Dec. 15, 2022; resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer on Jan. 6; breach of a no-contact order on March 5; breaching his curfew on March 16; uttering threats and assaulting a police officer on Jan. 7 in Woodstock; and committing mischief on Jan. 6. All but one of the alleged incidents occurred in Perth-Andover and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

Nicholas appeared in custody by video on March 7 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was taken back into custody.

17. Trial set on two charges

Shayne Cameron, 30, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP.

The court set a trial date for July 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for April 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Cameron was charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and possession of a firearm while prohibited concerning an incident on Jan. 24 at Juniper. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 19.

18. Neqotkuk man facing four charges

Collin Francis Bear, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on four charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in court on Sept. 19 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Bear appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 31 and was released with conditions. He was charged with assault, two counts of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) involving a female victim, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (an axe) in connection with an incident on Aug. 26 at Neqotkuk.

19. In custody on several charges

Brandon Cecil Armour, 34, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for a bail hearing on charges laid by Woodstock Police. He appeared in court in custody on Sept. 19 when the hearing was adjourned to the new date.

Woodstock Police charged Armour with breach of an undertaking and failing to attend court on July 11, as well as theft of a vehicle and resisting arrest on Aug. 14.

Armour appeared in court in custody on Aug. 15 after being arrested on a warrant. Woodstock Police also charged him with prowling at night and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on March 24 in Woodstock.

Armour is still awaiting plea on the above charges.

He is also scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three other charges laid by RCMP. He entered his plea at a court appearance on Feb. 21.

Armour was charged with break and enter at a dwelling house, committing mischief causing property damage to a door, and assault on a female victim, stemming from an incident on June 8, 2022, in Hartland.

20. Pair to enter pleas following manhunt

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, and Janis Buchanan, 27, of Perth-Andover, will appear in provincial court in custody by video for plea on Sept. 26. Buchanan will make her court appearance at 9:30 a.m. followed by DeLong at 11:30 a.m.

Police charged DeLong with discharging a firearm with intent, flight from police, dangerous driving and breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 14 at Florenceville-Bristol when shots were allegedly fired at a police officer.

Buchanan, 27, of Perth-Andover, was charged with robbery with violence stemming from an incident on May 29 at Florenceville-Bristol. The alleged theft involved a car, wallet and cell phone. She reserved her bail hearing and was remanded.

Police arrested DeLong and Buchanan after a manhunt in Victoria County concerning a series of incidents in the Upper River Valley.

21. Trial date adjusted in kidnapping case

Rodney Butler, 49, of Bulls Creek, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for monitoring about his upcoming trial involving an alleged kidnapping and the shooting death of his former partner.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate told the court via teleconference that he will represent Butler at his five-day trial set for Dec. 4, Dec. 6-8. Pate requested the final day of the trial be moved from Dec. 11 to Jan. 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. due to a scheduling conflict.

RCMP charged Butler with reckless discharge of a firearm, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle, following an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek.

On that date, RCMP was called to the scene of a fatal shooting on Route 165 at Bulls Creek. Christine Pelletier-Thibodeau, 35, died as a result of her injuries. Over the next several days, police tape was erected around the property, including a residence surrounded by a vehicle salvage yard.

Timothy Grant, 30, of Canterbury, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 6 for his two-day trial on charges related to the same alleged kidnapping of a Scotts Siding man.

After hearing submissions from the crown and defence counsel, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean adjourned Grant’s trial until Feb. 29 and March 1, 2024.

Crown Prosecutor Gwynne Hearn and Defence Counsel Michael Mallory made a joint recommendation to have the trial adjourned to a later date due to an additional disclosure of evidence. Hearn told the court the information was currently in the hands of the police and would be reviewed by the crown before trial.

Grant pleaded not guilty to three charges concerning an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, in Scott Siding. RCMP charged him with using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, and indictable assault.

The rescheduling of Grant’s trial delays those proceedings until after Butler’s trial. Butler sat in the back of the courtroom during Grant’s court appearance on Sept. 6.