1. Guilty of impaired driving causing death
Jesse Banford Bulmer, 42, of Glassville, was found guilty of causing the death of another local man when he appeared before Justice Richard Petrie on July 21 for a verdict after his five-day trial at the Court of King’s Bench. Bulmer will return to court for sentencing on Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m.
Bulmer was charged by RCMP with impaired driving causing death and failing to immediately comply with a breathalyzer demand concerning an off-road vehicle accident that claimed the life of Cole Hunter, 20, on Oct. 26, 2020, near Glassville. Bulmer was found guilty of both charges.
During the trial, the court heard the two men were together on a side-by-side when the vehicle overturned on Kenneth Road around 11 p.m. Hunter was killed on impact from severe head injuries. Bulmer was behind the wheel and escaped injury. Testimony during the trial revealed the two men had been visiting people in the area just before the accident occurred.
During the trial, the defence argued there were no witnesses to show Bulmer was the driver, suggesting it could have been Hunter. After hearing the verdict on Friday, Hunter’s mother issued a statement to the River Valley Sun:
“For any parent who has lost a child this is the worst gut-wrenching heartbreak you can ever imagine,” said Theresa Hunter. “Then to lose a child so suddenly without a goodbye is even harder. But when you lose a child that has been wrongly accused of something he did not do, as the mother, you can’t even describe that feeling of such disbelief. Never once did we or anyone ever believe that Cole was the driver. The only thing my son did wrong that night was to go with a man whom he did not know.
“We would like to thank the police and the first responders and the crown for how they handled this case. They fought hard for Cole. They knew he was innocent. That being said, this accident did not define my boy. Cole was very respected by his community. He was well-known for his love of agriculture, 4-H and petting zoos, his passion for rugby, his sense of humor, and as a great brother and friend.
“The last thing Cole did was to become an organ donor. Now two people are able to see again and numerous people are living a healthier, better way of life because of him. That was our boy. We, his family, live each and every day, carrying on Cole’s legacy.”
2. Bail hearings delayed for two Centreville men
Connell Ross McLean, 27, and Issak Tedford Thomas, 27, both appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 21 for their bail hearings on charges related to a series of incidents including a police chase and shots fired.
Both of their bail hearings were adjourned to July 26. Thomas will return to court for his bail hearing at 10 a.m., while McLean’s bail hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Both men told the court they needed more time to prepare for their hearings.
They were each charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm while prohibited, discharge of a firearm (a rifle) with intent, breach of probation, flight from police, improper storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, obstructing police, and possession of stolen property.
The two men were arrested following a collision between an off-road vehicle and a police cruiser on Route 105 in Lower Brighton, south of Harland, on July 17. The arrests were related to a Monday morning incident in Speerville, south of Woodstock, which included shots fired.
The suspects fled Speerville leading to an hours-long police search and investigation in several communities, including Lakeville, between Centreville and Woodstock, and Lower Brighton.
3. Grand Falls man sentenced to nearly eight years in prison
A Grand Falls man was sentenced to a hefty prison term on July 20 for drug trafficking, firearm offences, multiple thefts, criminal driving, and assaulting police.
Justin Joseph Curran, 32, was sentenced to seven years and 11 months in prison, minus time served, when appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to more than 20 charges laid by RCMP.
In handing down the sentence, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean told the court Curran was a “serious drug trafficker” in charge of a “significant drug operation.” During his arrest, Curran was found in possession of multiple illegal drugs in large quantities. He also committed several thefts in communities across Victoria County. Judge McLean ordered Curran to seek counseling for drug addiction and said all firearms found in his possession were forfeited to the crown.
Curran had a prior criminal record and has been in custody for 10 months. He pleaded guilty to two gun charges and trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, and hydromorphone related to an incident in Perth-Andover on Jan. 27, 2022. Two other charges of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl were withdrawn by the crown.
He also pleaded guilty to one more count of trafficking in benzodiazepines, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, and breach of an undertaking following a police bust at a residence in Perth-Andover on April 29, 2022. Another charge of trafficking in oxycontin was withdrawn by the crown.
The court heard Curran was found with nine tablets of a synthetic opioid in his possession also known on the street as “Shady 8.” The crown said this drug is “very toxic” and can often be fatal to drug users.
Curran pleaded guilty to flight from police in connection with an incident on Aug. 1, 2022, in Perth Andover, and failing to appear in court on June 28, 2022. Three other charges were withdrawn by the crown. Another charge of theft of a motor vehicle was withdrawn during his court appearance on June 13.
He also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle on July 7, 2022, in Bluebell; theft of another vehicle in New Denmark, and break, enter, and theft at a camp in Grand Falls, both on July 15, 2022. The crown asked for restitution for the stolen vehicle which was later burned and $1,100 in restitution for a stolen generator and telephone from the camp.
The court heard the vehicle’s owner saw Curran walking into their garage in New Denmark and watched as he drove off with it in broad daylight. Later that same day, he broke into a camp while people were also on the property and left with the stolen goods.
Curran also pleaded guilty to theft of a vehicle on July 29, 2022, in St. Anne de Madawaska; dangerous driving and assaulting police on Aug. 21, 2022, in Grand Falls; possession of another stolen vehicle and obstructing police on Aug. 30, 2022, in Grand Falls; flight from police on Sept. 13, 2022, in Grand Falls; theft of an ATV on Sept. 14, 2022, in Grand Falls, and breach of curfew between June 20, 2022, and Sept. 15, 2022, in Grand Falls.
Curran was denied bail and remanded to jail when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing in September. He was arrested on seven warrants after being on the lam for several months. Police were notified of his location by the owner of a stolen ATV and then arrested Curran in the basement of a house in Grand Falls.
4. Tomah found not guilty of assault
Jamie Kyle Tomah, 38, of Woodstock First Nation, appeared in provincial court on July 20 and was found not guilty following his two-day trial on assault charges.
Tomah pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault, assault by choking, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a chair), stemming from incidents on April 23, May 20, and May 29, 2022, in Hartland. The charges involved a female victim.
In delivering his verdict, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean ruled the complainant was the aggressor during each event and Tomah’s response was in self-defence and not excessive under the circumstances. McLean found Tomah not guilty on all counts.
The court heard Tomah was staying at the woman’s home while under house arrest but they often fought and argued and he eventually moved into the garage. During one confrontation, she came into the garage and threw a chair at him and he threw it back. After he finally left the premises, Tomah was “looted,” losing all of his belongings, including a motorcycle and tools.
Tomah was arrested on the charges and held in custody for a bail hearing. He was then released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He is currently living in Fredericton. Sheriffs removed his ankle bracelet following the verdict on Thursday.
Tomah also pleaded not guilty to two drug trafficking charges laid by RCMP. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine, both for the purpose of trafficking, in relation to an incident on June 3, 2022, in Hartland. His two-day trial on the matter was set for Nov. 2-3 at 9:30 a.m.
5. Michaud found guilty, sentencing set
Walter Patrick (Ricky) Michaud, 43, of Debec, appeared in provincial court in custody on July 21 for a verdict following two of his trials. He was found guilty on all counts and returns to court for sentencing on Aug. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Michaud was charged by RCMP with flight from police, dangerous driving, and possession of stolen property (a Ford 150 half-ton) for an incident on Sept. 16, 2022, in Woodstock. The charges related to a police chase in Woodstock.
A police officer testified Michaud exited the parking lot at Pizza Hut on Connell Street, jumped a curb, and drove over the lawn of the nearby RCMP detachment, before making his escape by driving into oncoming traffic and then onto the four-lane highway.
Michaud testified in his own defence and denied being the driver of the stolen truck. He said he was fishing in Waterville on the day of the incident and had no knowledge about a stolen vehicle or a police chase.
Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean found Michaud guilty on all three charges related to the incident. The judge said the police officer was well acquainted with the accused and clearly recognized him behind the wheel of the stolen truck.
Other charges included assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a bush saw) and resisting arrest on Sept. 6, 2022, in Debec. Michaud was found guilty on both counts.
The court heard police were trying to apprehend Michaud for some time when an RCMP officer went down a trail behind his residence and spotted the accused in the woods cutting a trail with a bush saw. The officer drew his gun to his side and yelled to Michaud that he was under arrest. Michaud was only 15 feet away when he turned and threw the bush saw at the officer. He fled the scene and a foot chase ensued but Michaud was able to escape.
Michaud also appeared in provincial court in custody on June 12 for his trial about a stolen vehicle and his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. After a full day of testimony from police officers and a police drug expert, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision until Aug. 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Michaud was charged by RCMP with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, following an incident around midnight on March 11, 2022, in Teeds Mills. He was also charged with possession of stolen property (a 2013 Hyundai Elantra) as a result of the same incident. He pleaded not guilty.
Michaud still has trials pending related to two separate incidents on Sept. 27, 2022, at Bull’s Creek and on Sept. 18, 2022, at Meductic. Trial dates were set for Aug. 30 at 9:30 a.m. and Sept. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Michaud was denied bail and remanded to jail in October on nine charges, stemming from the day of his arrest on Sept. 27, 2022, at Bull’s Creek, including possession of a firearm without a license (a Ruger 10/22 rifle), being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a loaded gun, improper transport of a firearm, possession of a firearm dangerous to the public peace, flight from police, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a vehicle), possession of stolen property (a Dodge Ram truck), and resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty.
He was also charged with assaulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, and dangerous driving on Sept. 18, 2022, in Meductic. He pleaded not guilty.
Michaud also faced charges of assaulting a woman in Debec on Aug. 27, 2022. He was found not guilty of the assault on June 29 after the alleged victim failed to appear to testify at the trial.
6. Sentencing set for Woodstock man
Corey Andrew Lane, 36, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 21 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by Woodstock Police. He returns to court for sentencing on Aug. 21 at 1:30 p.m.
Lane was charged with theft of recyclables and breach of probation on April 19 in Woodstock; committing mischief, obstructing police, and breach of probation on April 22 on Queen Street in Woodstock. He appeared in court in custody on April 26 and was remanded to jail. He was charged by Woodstock Police with break, enter, and theft at a dwelling house and breach of probation, following an incident at a Main Street apartment on April 24.
Lane was also charged with possession of stolen property concerning an incident on Nov. 30, 2022, in Woodstock and theft from the Woodstock liquor store and breach of probation following an incident on Aug. 22, 2022. He appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Feb. 27 and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in provincial court on Feb. 14.
7. Sentencing set after change of plea
Brian Keith Reynolds, 45, of Woodstock First Nation, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 20 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for sentencing on Aug. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Reynolds appeared in provincial court in custody on April 12 and was denied bail. He was arrested and charged by RCMP with resisting arrest and breach of a no-contact order on April 4 at Woodstock First Nation, unlawful entry at a dwelling house, assault causing bodily harm to another man, and breach of a no-contact order on April 3 at Woodstock First Nation. He pleaded guilty on all counts.
Reynolds appeared in provincial court in custody in March and was charged by RCMP with assaulting a female victim while threatening to use a weapon (a hatchet), assaulting another man while threatening to use a hatchet and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace in connection with a March 11 incident at Woodstock First Nation. He was found not guilty of these charges when the crown called no evidence.
He was also charged with resisting arrest, concerning a separate incident on March 22 at Woodstock First Nation. . He was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with not wearing hunter orange in connection with an incident on Sept. 27, 2022, in Lower Woodstock. He pleaded guilty to these offences.
8. 300 days in jail minus time served
Derek Oliver, 33, of Greenwood, Nova Scotia, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 20 and was sentenced to 300 days in jail, minus time served. Oliver has 106 days left to serve.
Oliver pleaded guilty to breaching a release order. He was charged by RCMP in relation to an incident on Jan. 31 in Carlow. Ten other charges from Nova Scotia were transferred to Woodstock for his sentencing. Judge Sebastian Michaud also placed him on probation for 18 months.
9. Fined for impaired driving
Misty Sheehan, 45, of Bannon, was fined $1,500 when she appeared for sentencing in provincial court on July 21 after pleading guilty to impaired driving. She was also prohibited from driving for one year.
RCMP charged Sheehan following an incident on Aug. 16, 2022, near Hartland. The court heard police responded to a 911 call about a car crash in Lower Brighton where a vehicle rolled and overturned. Sheehan was found exiting the vehicle and was treated at the scene for minor injuries by ambulance personnel.
10. Trial set on impaired driving charge
Paul Porter, 70, of Rowena, Victoria County, will appear for trial in provincial on Nov. 27 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an impaired driving charge.
Porter was charged by RCMP following an incident on April 17, 2022, near Burntland Brook. He appeared in provincial court on July 20 for monitoring and confirmed he will be ready to proceed to trial.
11. Facing two charges
Austin Francis, 25, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in
provincial court on Aug. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges.
Francis was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim and assault with a weapon (a metal bar) concerning an incident on Feb. 23 at Neqotkuk. He made his first court appearance on July 18.
12. Dow Settlement man charged
James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, will appear in provincial court on Aug. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by RCMP.
Dow was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand
and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on May 14 at Dow Settlement. He made his first court appearance on July 18.
