Centreville man awaits federal prison sentence
Isaak Tedford Thomas, 28, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody for sentencing on March 28 after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a series of incidents, including a police chase and shots fired.
After hearing submissions from the crown and defence counsel, Judge Cameron Gunn reserved his decision on sentence until May 3 at 1:30 p.m. The court heard a federal prison sentence is pending for the accused.
Thomas pleaded guilty to carelessly using a firearm, guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence, guilty to being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, guilty to resisting arrest, guilty to possession of a firearm while prohibited, and guilty to breach of probation.
Crown Prosecutor Kathleen Jacobs recommended Thomas spend over four years in federal prison. The crown also requested a lifetime prohibition on firearms and an order for Thomas to register with the federal DNA database. Thomas had a prior criminal record that included a previous conviction for a firearm offence.
Jacobs explained that Thomas and co-accused Connell McLean caused a “huge public safety risk” and “wreaked havoc” in the Speerville community on July 17, 2023.
She said the incident began around 7 a.m. when a stolen side-by-side was spotted driving slowly by a Speerville residence. The homeowner soon saw a stranger prowling on his property while carrying a gun over his shoulder. The electricity went out inside the house as a power meter was torn from the home. The homeowner called his father and the RCMP and went outside to fire a warning shot.
Another resident came along in his truck and took pursuit of the stolen side-by-side as it headed up Dugan Road. Thomas turned in the passenger seat and fired a shotgun in the direction of the truck. The shot was fired from only 300 meters away. McLean admitted to being the driver of the side-by-side.
Defence Counsel Alex Pate argued Thomas fired the gun because he was returning fire upon hearing the warning shot.
“He thought he was being shot at,” Pate said.
Thomas denied shooting directly at anyone but admitted he did fire the gun in the direction of the truck following them. The court heard Thomas had a 10-year addiction to crystal meth but had been involved in rehabilitation while incarcerated. Thomas apologized to the court for his actions.
RCMP arrested Thomas and McLean following a collision between the stolen side-by-side and a police cruiser on Route 105 in Lower Brighton, south of Harland. The pair fled Speerville, which led to a seven-hour police search and investigation in several communities, including Lakeville, between Centreville and Woodstock, and Lower Brighton.
Five police agencies and two police dogs were involved in the search, while a police helicopter was on standby. One police officer was injured while apprehending Thomas at the scene. McLean fled on foot and was arrested about an hour later. Both men have been in custody since their arrest last July.
Connell Ross McLean, 28, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 22 and was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison minus time served. McLean had an extensive criminal record, including jail time for similar offences. The defence argued Thomas should receive the same 28-month sentence as his co-accused.
McLean pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a licence; guilty to being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun; guilty to resisting arrest; guilty to possession of a stolen side-by-side; guilty to possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it; guilty to flight from police; guilty to driving while prohibited; and guilty to breach of probation. Another charge of assaulting a police officer with a weapon (the side-by-side) was withdrawn by the crown.
Neqotkuk man sentenced to 60 days
Brandon Michael Francis, 28, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 28 and pleaded guilty to charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail minus time served.
RCMP charged Francis with resisting arrest and breach of probation in connection with an incident on March 5 at Neqotkuk when he fled from police on foot.
Francis failed to return to court for sentencing on Dec. 8, and an arrest warrant was issued. He pleaded guilty to breaching his release by failing to appear in court.
He was also charged with assault with a weapon (a metal bar) involving a male victim following an incident on Oct. 27, 2022, at Neqotkuk. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean found him guilty after trial of common assault. He was sentenced on March 26 to 60 days in jail or time served for that offence. He had an extensive prior criminal record.
Charges withdrawn
The crown withdrew charges against Timothy Grant, 30, of Canterbury, when he appeared in provincial court on March 26.
RCMP charged Grant with using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, and indictable assault concerning an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, at Scott Siding.
In custody after an incident in Johnville
Brandon Schriver, 22, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 28 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Schriver appeared in court in custody on Feb. 29 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He was charged by RCMP with possession of prohibited weapons, assaulting a police officer with a weapon, flight from police, dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation in connection with an incident on Feb. 22 in Johnville.
Police arrested Schriver after receiving a report of two suspicious vehicles at a residence in Johnville. Upon arrival, they saw an individual jump into a vehicle, which then rammed the police car before fleeing at a high rate of speed. They followed the vehicle until it eventually came to a stop. The driver exited the vehicle but was quickly apprehended by police. No one was injured during the incident.
In custody on multiple charges
Timothy Grant Davenport, 46, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 26 for sentencing on a fraud charge transferred from Edmundston. The matter was adjourned until Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m., when he is scheduled for trial on nine other charges laid by RCMP.
Davenport was charged by RCMP with theft of a gun and ammunition, committing mischief by breaking a window, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon (a loaded sawed-off shotgun), reckless discharge of a firearm, pointing a gun at another man, possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a firearm while prohibited, in connection with an incident on Nov. 26, 2023, near Lakeville.
He appeared in court for a bail hearing on Nov. 29, 2023, and was remanded to jail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at a court appearance on Feb. 13.
Two charged under Fish and Wildlife Act
Brian Trevor Fox, 47, of Meductic, and Joseph Roy, 63, of Bedell, will appear for trial in provincial court next April after pleading not guilty on March 26 to multiple charges under the Fish and Wildlife Act.
Fox was charged with illegal possession of a deer carcass, discharging a firearm too close to a dwelling, possession of a firearm (a shotgun) without a licence, failing to wear hunter orange, and driving an ATV without a helmet in connection with an incident on Nov. 15, 2023, near Meductic. On March 26, he was also charged with possession of a firearm without a licence. His trial date was set for April 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Roy was charged with illegal possession of a deer carcass, discharging a firearm too close to a dwelling, hunting antlerless deer without the proper licence, possession of a loaded gun in a vehicle, failing to properly tag a deer properly, and driving an ATV without a helmet concerning the same incident. His trial date was set for April 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Fined $2,500 for impaired driving
Sara Elizabeth Campbell, 40, of Perth-Andover, was fined $2,500 and was prohibited from driving for two years after pleading guilty on March 26 to impaired driving. She was also placed on 12 months of probation.
RCMP charged Campbell in connection with an incident on May 26, 2023, near Aroostook. Police stopped a vehicle on the highway, travelling slowly and veering to the right. Campbell was found unsteady on her feet and had a blood alcohol reading over three times the legal limit. She had no prior criminal record.
Arrested and released with conditions
Corey Andrew Lane, 39, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on March 28 and was released with conditions. He returns to court for plea on April 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Lane was arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in provincial court for a plea on March 5. The RCMP charged him with breaching an undertaking by violating a no-contact order concerning an incident on Feb. 7 at Newbridge. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.
Three Romanians in court for illegal entry, one sentenced
Three Romanians, two men and one woman, were apprehended by police on March 8 for crossing the international border illegally at Union Corner, the spot of a former port of entry many decades ago.
Narghita Cioroaba, 43, Dorel Istrate, 41, and Eduard-llie Scripcaru, 41, were each charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with failing to appear for examination.
Scripcaru pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in jail on March 26.
Ciorobaba appeared in provincial court for a bail hearing on March 11 and was remanded to jail. She returns to court in custody for plea on April 9.
Istrate was released from custody with conditions after a bail hearing on March 22. He returns to court for plea on April 25 at 9:30 a.m. Before his release, he posted a $2,000 bail bond.
RCMP arrested them after receiving a call around 1 p.m. from the US Border Patrol about three individuals heading for the international border on foot near Union Corner.
Police tracked them down using a police dog about 40 minutes later. The three suspects were returned to the Canada Border Services Agency at the Woodstock-Houlton border. They told police they rented a vehicle in New York and then abandoned it near the border so they could walk the rest of the way into Canada.
In another incident, two other Romanian men, who have addresses in the United States, appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 27 and pleaded guilty to crossing the international border illegally at Belleville. They were sentenced to several months in jail on March 15.
Two charged with possession of child pornography
Todd Brian Forgrave, 47, of Belleville, and Stephen Warcop, 26, of Hartland, were each charged were each charged with possession of child pornography following an investigation led by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Forgrave was charged following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Belleville on Nov. 24, 2022. He pleaded not guilty, and his three-day trial was set for Feb. 19-21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also set for Sept. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Warcop was charged following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Hartland on Dec. 1, 2022. He pleaded not guilty on March 27. His three-day trial date was set for April 7, 2025, and April 10-11, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Police seized several electronic devices during the investigation.
Trial rescheduled for Piercemont man
Caleb Crain, 40, of Piercemont, appeared for trial in provincial court on March 27 after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by the RCMP. At the request of his defence counsel, the trial was adjourned until Aug. 21 at 9:30 a.m.
Crain was charged with assault causing bodily harm to a female victim, unlawful confinement, and uttering threats following an incident on Dec. 10, 2022, near Florenceville-Bristol.
Lansdowne man charged
Jonathan Johnston, 47, of Lansdowne, will appear for trial in provincial court on Feb. 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by RCMP.
Johnston was charged with impaired driving and flight from police for an incident on Dec. 19, 2023, at Florenceville-Bristol. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on March 26. A monitoring date was also set for Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Returning to court for plea
Jade Corey Allain, 44, of Wostak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear in provincial court on April 23 at 9:30 a.m. to answer an impaired driving charge.
RCMP charged Allain in connection with an incident on Dec. 27, 2023, near Teeds Mills. He made his first court appearance on March 26 when the matter was adjourned for plea to the new date.
Trial scheduled on sex charge
Matthew White, 42, of Upper Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 27 for monitoring about his trial on a sex charge laid by RCMP. His legal counsel confirmed he will be ready to proceed to trial on Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
White was charged with invitation to sexual touching involving a female minor in connection with an incident on June 3, 2023, in Bloomfield. He pleaded not guilty.
Woodstock man awaits sentencing
Shane Lee Dickison, 35, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 26 to answer charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police.
Dickison was charged with uttering threats and assault involving a female victim concerning an incident on Sept. 27, 2023, near Mapledale. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond to resolve the matter.
He was also charged with fleeing police for a separate incident on Sept. 27, 2023, at Teeds Mill. He pleaded guilty, and his sentencing date was set for May 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Dickison also pleaded guilty to breaching a no-contact order on Jan. 11. Another charge of uttering threats on Jan. 4 was resolved through another 12-month peace bond.
Trial scheduled on several charges
Sara Ann Broad, 41, of Moose Mountain, appeared in provincial court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Nov. 4 at 1:30 p.m.
Broad appeared in court in custody in January and was released with conditions. RCMP charged her with assault on a male victim and breach of an undertaking concerning an incident on June 28, 2023, in Johnville. The court heard she also faces two mischief charges and an impaired driving charge.
Trial set for firearm offences
Eric Trecartin of East Brighton will appear for trial in provincial court on April 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to several firearm offences.
Trecartin was charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it, transporting a firearm (a rifle) carelessly in connection with an incident on Nov. 10, 2023, at Rosedale. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on March 26.
Returning for plea on three charges
Trevor Lee Bear, 26, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court on March 26 for plea on several charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Bear appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Feb. 5 and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with breaking into a dwelling house, assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim, and taking possession of a minor without having lawful care or consent in connection with an incident on Feb. 1 at Neqotkuk. He was arrested and spent the weekend in jail.
Facing break and enter charge
Nicholas Adam Cullins of Ashland appeared in provincial court on March 26 for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until April 16 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.
Cullins appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 9 and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant. He was charged with break, enter and theft at a storage facility on Popular Street in Woodstock on March 15, 2023.
Woodstock man awaiting trial
Julian Cassius Atherton, 18, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on March 26 for monitoring on drug and weapons charges laid by Woodstock Police. He pleaded not guilty on all counts, and trial dates were set for May 22-23 and May 29-30 at 9:30 a.m. A new monitoring date was also scheduled for April 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Atherton was charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (knives), committing mischief and five counts of breaching a release order.
The charges were laid following an incident on Jan. 29 at 4:30 a.m. when Woodstock Police observed an adult male and a young offender prowling in dark clothing. The two were arrested, and a quantity of crystal meth, meth pills and a number of knives were seized. Police believe one of the individuals is linked to a series of property crimes and graffiti incidents in the town.
Atherton is also charged with escaping lawful custody for a separate incident involving two sheriffs who were escorting an individual to jail on July 22, 2023.
Neqotkuk man to stand trial
Dylan Thibodeau, 28, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for March 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Thibodeau appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 24 and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with three counts of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, break and enter at a dwelling house and assault in connection with an incident on Jan. 23 at Neqotkuk.
Remanded for trial
Nekko Dominique, 31, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 26 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for Aug. 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Dominique appeared in court in custody on Feb. 16 and was remanded to jail after a bail hearing. RCMP charged him with resisting arrest, 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 at a residence in Neqotkuk. He also faces a separate charge of breaching a six-month conditional sentence order handed down in the Miramichi.
Trial adjourned on drug trafficking charges
Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk, was scheduled to stand trial on drug trafficking charges on March 27. At the request of his defence counsel, the trial was adjourned until April 5 at 9:30 a.m.
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.
On March 19, he appeared in provincial court and received a 12-month conditional sentence order and 12-month probation on two separate charges. He will be under full house arrest for the first three months and then must follow a curfew for nine months.
Perley had a limited prior criminal record. He was charged by RCMP with breach of a release order, 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.
He pleaded guilty to the breach charge and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The crown withdrew the remaining charges. He was ordered to seek counselling for substance abuse as part of his probation.
Perley also appeared in provincial on March 12 to set a date for his trial on fraud charges laid by RCMP. His trial was set for Jan. 22-23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
He was charged with possessing forged documents (cheques) and defrauding the band office of over $5,000 between June 13 and Oct. 6, 2023, at Neqotkuk. On Feb. 2, he pleaded not guilty at a court appearance.
Charged with impaired driving
Jade Elizabeth Robbins, 21, of Fredericton, appeared in provincial court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to impaired driving. Her trial date was set for March 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police charged Robbins following an incident in Woodstock on Sept. 4, 2023.
Greenfield man to stand trial
Jorge Heinz Fenske, 55, of Greenfield, will appear for trial in provincial court on March 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to firearm charges laid by RCMP.
Fenske was charged with possession of a firearm (a rifle) without a licence and improper storage of a firearm for an incident on Dec. 14, 2023, at Greenfield. His defence counsel entered his not-guilty plea on March 26.
Perth Andover brothers facing charges
Travis Terrance McDougall, 32, and Trevor Gerald McDougall, 32, of Perth-Andover, face charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Travis McDougall appeared in provincial court for monitoring on March 26 and told the court he had yet to secure legal counsel. Another monitoring date was set for April 9 at 9:30 a.m.
He was charged with uttering threats, breach of probation and assaulting a female victim in connection with an incident on July 17, 2023, in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty in November; his trial date was set for Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Trevor McDougall was charged with uttering threats for the same incident. He pleaded not guilty in October, and a trial date was set for Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m. A monitoring date was also set for April 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Trial scheduled for Neqotkuk man
Garrison Cane Perley, 33, of Neqotkuk , appeared in provincial court on March 26 for monitoring about his upcoming trial. He pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. His trial was set for Nov. 20-21 at 9:30 a.m.
Perley was charged with assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, and assault with a weapon (a knife) in connection with an incident on Oct. 14, 2023, near Perth-Andover. Another monitoring date for his trial was scheduled for April 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Returning to court for plea
Ashley Dawn Giberson, 33, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court for plea on March 26 on charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until April 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Giberson appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 27 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged her with breach of a release order by failing to follow a curfew on Feb. 15 and shoplifting at the Canadian Tire in Woodstock on Feb. 3.
She was also charged with two counts of breaching a release order by failing to follow a curfew in Woodstock on Sept. 1 and Nov 9, 2023. Those matters were adjourned for plea until her next court date.
Trial dates confirmed for Woodstock man
Jace Maddox Anderson, 18, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 25 for monitoring about his trial.
Anderson appeared in court in custody on Jan. 18 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of uttering threats against a female victim in connection with incidents on Jan. 14 and Jan. 17 in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for March 20, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Woodstock Police also charged Anderson with assault and uttering threats in connection with an incident at a Woodstock apartment on May 25, 2023. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for July 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Anderson also faces a charge of failing to appear in court on Nov. 1, 2023. He pleaded not guilty, and the trial date was set for July 4 at 9:30 a.m.
In custody on breach charges
Calvin Joseph Nicholas, 53, of Neqotkuk, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for plea on March 28. The matter was adjourned until April 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Nicholas was arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Feb. 27. He waived his bail. He was charged with two counts of breaching his release order.
Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Jan. 31. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but returned to custody.
Nicholas is also scheduled for trial in provincial court on June 26 at 9:30 a.m. RCMP charged him with uttering threats against another man and breaching an undertaking for an incident at Neqotkuk in 2021. He entered his not-guilty plea in May 2022, and a trial date was set, but he failed to appear.
Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 4, 2023, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He has a lengthy prior criminal record. He was arrested on a warrant after failing to appear for trial on Feb. 17, 2023.
He also failed to appear in court on Jan. 3, 2023, to answer charges of breach of probation and failing to report his whereabouts to the national sex offender registry on July 3, 2022. At his court appearance on July 18, 2023, he pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Jacksonville man awaiting plea in knife incident
Shayne Everett Cameron, 30, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 26 for plea on multiple charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until April 11 at 11 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of assaulting police with a weapon (a knife), robbery, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of stolen property, theft of mail, assault with a weapon, flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, and breach of a release order.
Woodstock Police laid the charges after locating a man in the passenger seat of a vehicle at a business on Connell Street. The man threatened the driver with a weapon, attempting to encourage the driver to flee. Police gained entry to the vehicle and tried to remove the man when he grabbed a knife and attempted to stab the officers.
Two officers sustained minor injuries in the incident. The driver then exited the vehicle, and the man got into the driver’s seat and fled the scene. A short time later, the RCMP located the vehicle in Perth-Andover. A police dog located the individual, and he was arrested without incident.
Cameron appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 23 after being arrested the day before on five warrants. He then appeared in court for a bail hearing on Jan. 25 and waived his bail until later. He also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court on Nov. 21, 2023.
Cameron also appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 8, 2023, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on Oct. 31, 2023. He was charged with breach of an undertaking on Sept. 28, 2023, and uttering threats and assaulting another man on Oct. 28, 2023, at Greenfield. He was also charged with breach of a no-contact order and obstructing police on Nov. 4, 2023, at Perth-Andover.
At an earlier court appearance, Cameron was also charged with assault, assault with a weapon and uttering threats for incidents between Sept. 8 and Sept. 13, 2023, in Woodstock, and possession of stolen property on April 11, 2023, in Woodstock. The matters were adjourned for plea until his next court appearance.
He also appeared in provincial court in September and pleaded not guilty to two other charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for July 4 at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for April 2 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, 2023, at Juniper. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 19, 2023.
