Woodstock RCMP officer facing five charges
Constable Christopher Sorensen, 44, a member of the Woodstock RCMP, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on theft charges and one count of breach of trust.
Sorensen was scheduled for a plea on Oct. 30, but the matter was adjourned to the new date to allow his defence counsel to further review a “considerable amount of disclosure” evidence from the crown.
The police officer did not attend the hearing on Oct. 30. He faces four counts of theft and one count of breach of trust concerning missing and unaccounted-for exhibits, including cash, seized during a recent crime investigation. Sorensen was a member of the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit.
The charges against him followed an investigation by the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT), an agency that independently investigates accusations against police officers in New Brunswick. The investigation by SIRT was launched in April.
Armour sentenced to nine months in jail
Brandon Cecil Armour, 36, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 31 and was sentenced to nine months in jail, minus time served, after changing his plea to guilty on several charges.
Judge Henrik Tonning told Armour he had six months left in custody as a result of his time in remand. The judge also placed Armour on 18 months of probation and ordered him to seek counselling and treatment for mental health and addiction.
Woodstock Police charged Armour with prowling at night and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on March 24, 2023, in Woodstock. He pleaded guilty on May 1.
On Sept. 5, he also pleaded guilty to breach of an undertaking and failing to attend court on July 11, 2023; guilty to theft of a vehicle and resisting arrest on Aug. 14, 2023, in Woodstock; guilty to two counts of breaching a release order by violating electronic monitoring on Jan. 2 in Summerfield and on Feb. 6 in Johnville.
Armour appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 11 and was sentenced to one year in jail, minus time served, after pleading guilty to another charge. He was also placed on probation for 12 months. Armour told the court on Oct. 31 that he had just completed his one-year sentence.
Armour was charged by RCMP with breaking into a dwelling house, committing mischief causing property damage to a door, and assaulting a female victim, stemming from an incident on June 8, 2022, in Beechwood. He pleaded guilty to breaking into the dwelling, and the crown withdrew the two remaining charges.
150 days in jail or time served
Mitchell Sutthery, 38, of Arthurette, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Oct. 31 and changed his plea to guilty on charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail or time served and released from custody.
Sutthery was also placed on 12 months of probation. He was charged with two counts of resisting arrest, two counts of assaulting a police officer, escaping lawful custody, and breach of probation. Two of the charges were withdrawn by the crown.
He appeared in court in custody on May 27 and waived his bail until later. He was arrested on May 24 and charged with breach of a conditional sentence order, which was purged during his time in custody.
Fined $2,600 for impaired driving
Gary James Cougle, 43, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 1 and changed his plea to guilty on an impaired driving charge. He was fined $2,600 and prohibited from driving for one year.
Cougle was charged by RCMP stemming from an incident on Oct. 15, 2023, at the Ultramar in Grafton. The court heard police received a report of an impaired driver in a vehicle in the parking lot. Police found Cougle sitting in the driver’s seat having a meal after he visited a nearby food truck. He had no prior criminal record.
Trial adjourned for Turner
Marshall Turner, 24, of Beaconsfield, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 1 after pleading not guilty to several charges. His trial was adjourned until Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his new defence counsel. He remains in custody to await his trial.
RCMP charged Turner with possession of stolen vehicle, flight from police, breach of probation and possession of a stolen fuel pump in connection with a police chase across Carleton North on April 23 that ended in Johnville.
He was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle on April 13 in Greenfield and possession of a stolen vehicle, breach of probation, and dangerous driving on April 18 in Perth-Andover.
Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 18 and waived his bail until later. He has a prior criminal record and has been in custody since his arrest in April.
Bail hearing adjourned
Regis Bowmaster, 30, of Bairdsville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Oct. 31 after being arrested on three charges. The bail hearing was adjourned until Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
RCMP charged Bowmaster with two counts of breaching a release order and possession of methamphetamine concerning an incident on Oct. 23 at Pembroke.
He also appeared in provincial court on July 16 and pleaded not guilty to several other charges laid by RCMP. His trial dates were set for June 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. and June 12-13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Bowmaster was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest concerning an incident on Jan. 4 at Bairdsville. He was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (a sawed-off shotgun), improper storage of a firearm, possession of a stolen ATV, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun for another incident on May 27 at Perth Andover.
Bowmaster appeared in court in custody on May 30 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was arrested on a warrant and charged with breaching a release order by failing to appear in court on Feb. 13.
Sentencing rescheduled on drug charge
Bronwyn Barbara Thomas, 23, of Bloomfield, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Nov. 1 for a hearing about withdrawing her guilty plea on a drug charge.
She did not appear with new counsel and no application for a change of plea was made so Judge Cameron Gunn set her new sentencing date for Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m.
RCMP charged Thomas with attempting to possess two kilograms of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on March 2, 2022, at a Canada Post Office near Centreville.
Thomas was expected to receive a two-year federal prison sentence when the proceedings came to a halt on Oct. 4. At that time, Thomas told Judge Cameron Gunn she wanted to withdraw her guilty plea and seek new legal counsel.
Sisson Ridge man facing three charges
Stephen Bowmaster, 24, of Sisson Ridge, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. to answer three charges laid by RCMP.
Bowmaster was charged with fraud, uttering a forged document (a $1,700 cheque), and possession of stolen property (cheques) concerning an incident on Oct. 10, 2023, near Perth-Andover. He made his first court appearance on Oct. 22, when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Theft of copper wire
Dana MacLean, 59, of no fixed address, will appear for trial in provincial court on Aug. 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to theft and mischief charges laid by RCMP.
MacLean was charged with committing mischief causing property damage and theft of copper wire in connection with an incident on July 24 near Plymouth Road. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on Oct. 22. A monitoring date for his trial was also set for Jan. 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Sentencing set for Johnville man
Brandon Schriver, 22, of Johnville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 31 and changed his plea to guilty on a series of charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Schriver appeared in court in custody on Feb. 29 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He pleaded guilty to seven charges, including possession of prohibited weapons (brass knuckles and three knives), assaulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, dangerous driving, driving while prohibited, possession of a stolen vehicle, and breach of probation in connection with an incident on Feb. 22 in Johnville.
Police arrested him after receiving a report of two suspicious vehicles at a residence in Johnville. Upon arrival, police saw an individual jump into a vehicle, which then rammed the police car before fleeing at a high rate of speed. Police then 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.
Plaster Rock man charged with assault
Philip Campbell, 34, of Plaster Rock, will appear in provincial court on Nov. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an assault charge.
Campbell was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Oct. 6 at Perth-Andover. He made his first court appearance on Oct. 29, when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
In custody awaiting trial
Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 31 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. His trial dates were set for Jan. 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. and Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Hayes was denied bail on Aug. 29. He was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27 at Centreville. Hayes also faces a separate charge of assault involving a female on June 17 at a residence in Centreville.
On Oct. 22, the court issued a warrant of committal for non-payment of a $690 fine. Hayes agreed to purge the fine while in custody.
Found guilty on assault charge
Bonnie Noel, 55, of Jacksontown, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Feb. 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. after being found guilty of assault.
Noel appeared for trial in provincial court on two charges on Oct. 28. She was charged by RCMP with assault on a male victim and resisting arrest, stemming from an incident on Jan. 19 near North Lake.
Judge Karen Lee found Noel guilty of assault but not guilty of resisting arrest.
During the trial, the court heard the charges involved an alleged domestic dispute. Two police officers testified, as well as the victim and Noel, who took the witness stand and admitted she punched the man in the face during the altercation.
Noel appeared in provincial court on Oct. 1 and pleaded not guilty to three more charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Aug. 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Noel was charged with assault, breaching an undertaking, and breaching a peace bond for an incident on Aug. 6. She also appeared in provincial court in July to monitor her trial on other charges laid by RCMP.
Noel was also charged with breach of an undertaking (no contact) on Feb. 18 at Canterbury, breach of an undertaking (no contact) and breach of curfew on April 1 at North Lake, and breach of an undertaking (no contact) on Jan. 21 at North Lake.
She pleaded not guilty, and more trial dates were set for March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and June 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Plea adjourned on multiple charges
Erica Ann Trecartin, 28, of Lower Brighton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 31 for plea on multiple charges laid by RCMP. The matters were adjourned until Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at the request of her defence counsel.
Trecartin also has charges in Fredericton and Miramichi, which may lead to a transfer of her charges to Woodstock.
She appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Oct. 1 and was denied bail. RCMP charged her with failing to appear in court on June 24 and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking concerning an incident in Grafton on Jan. 29.
Trecartin was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, driving while suspended, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while prohibited, and breach of probation for an incident on Nov. 3, 2022.
She pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set but failed to appear.
She was also charged with indictable breach of probation on Jan. 29, breaching an undertaking (curfew) on Feb. 24, and two counts of failing to appear in court on March 18 and April 9.
A co-accused, Ronald McLaughlin, 33, of St. Stephen, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison on Aug. 12 after pleading guilty to five charges laid by RCMP.
McLaughlin appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 30. RCMP charged him with dangerous driving, driving while suspended, and driving without insurance, stemming from the same incident on Jan. 29 in Grafton. The court heard he was being held in custody on other charges in Saint John.
McLaughlin was also charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with the same incident in Grafton. On May 2, an additional charge was laid for failing to appear in court on March 5. He received 36 months in prison on the drug charge as well as additional jail time for the driving offences and failing to appear.
Sentencing set for Davenport
Timothy Grant Davenport, 46, of no fixed address, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Oct. 30 and changed his plea to guilty on six charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
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 firearm 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.
The crown withdrew three charges, and one firearm charge was reduced to a lesser included offence.
Davenport appeared in court for a bail hearing on Nov. 29, 2023, and was remanded to jail. He also awaits sentencing for another offence after pleading guilty to a fraud charge.
Failed to appear for trial
An arrest warrant was issued for Dynielle Allison Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, after she failed to appear in provincial court for trial on Nov. 1.
Demerchant was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a prohibited weapon (a switchblade) in connection with an incident on Dec. 22, 2022, in Woodstock. She entered her not-guilty plea at a court appearance on March 12.
Demerchant was also charged with identity theft (cards) and possession of methamphetamine concerning a separate incident on May 2 in Woodstock. She returns to court for plea on Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Plaster Rock man back in custody
Steven Frank Powers, 60, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 1 for a bail hearing on a new charge laid by RCMP. He waived his bail until later and returns to court in custody for plea on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.
Powers was charged with breach of probation in connection with a recent incident in Plaster Rock. He was ordered to have no contact with the female complainant.
Powers appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Oct. 15 after changing his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to nine months in jail or time served and released. He has a lengthy prior criminal record.
Warrant issued for Lakeville man
The court issued a warrant for Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, after failing to appear for a plea on Oct. 30.
Stewart was charged with two counts of breaching his release order (curfew) concerning incidents on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 in Woodstock. He appeared in court in custody via teleconference on Oct. 22 and was released with conditions.
He was also charged with breaking into a dwelling house on May 25 in Killoween and possessing a stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville. He is still awaiting plea on those charges as well.
Bath man to stand trial
Michael James Watson, 30, of Bath, will appear in provincial court on Nov. 19 at 9:30 a.m. for further monitoring about his trial.
RCMP charged Watson with assault with a weapon (a shovel), mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, dangerous driving and driving while suspended concerning an incident on Nov. 5, 2023, in Bath. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for May 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Perth-Andover man awaits sentencing
Ian Stewart Bishop, 41, of Perth-Andover, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Oct. 30 and changed his plea to guilty on charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m.
Bishop was denied bail when appeared in court in custody by video on April 25. RCMP arrested him in connection with two break-ins, one at the local civic centre and another at a dwelling house in Perth-Andover.
Bishop was charged with breaking and entering at a dwelling house and theft of tools on March 30 and breaking and entering and theft of tools at the River Valley Civic Centre on April 1. Bishop has a prior criminal record. He pleaded guilty to one break-in on March 30 but is still awaiting trial on the charges related to the April 1 incident.
Trial adjourned to new date
James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP.
He was scheduled for trial on Oct. 30, but the matter was adjourned to the new date. Dow was charged with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement.
Warrant issued for Woodstock woman
The court issued an arrest warrant for Elisha Dawn Stairs, 44, of Woodstock, after she failed to appear in provincial court on Oct. 30 for monitoring about her trial.
Stairs was charged by RCMP with refusing a breathalyzer demand and impaired driving, stemming from an incident on May 11 near Hartland. She pleaded not guilty in September 2023.
Charge withdrawn
The crown withdrew an assault charge against Joey Spencer, 37, of Perth-Andover, when he appeared in provincial court for plea on Oct. 30.
RCMP charged Spencer with assault involving a female victim stemming from an incident on June 29 at Perth-Andover.
Moved to alternative measures
Stephen Manfred Spiegler, 60, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Oct. 30 for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Spiegler was charged with driving while suspended and shoplifting at the Atlantic Superstore following incidents on Feb. 9 and Feb. 26 in Woodstock.
The shoplifting charge was moved to the alternative measures program. The driving charge will be withdrawn when Speigler returns to court on Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. to confirm he has completed the program requirements.
Bail hearing waived until later
Jennifer Louise Paul, 45, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 31 for a bail hearing on new charges laid by RCMP. She waived her bail until later and returns to court in custody for plea on Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Jennifer Paul was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property (cash), possession of a prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm for an incident on Sept. 25 at Neqotkuk.
Her husband, Nicholas Paul, 46, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), also remains in custody. He was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property (cash) for an incident on Oct. 23 at Neqotkuk. He waived bail until later and returns to court for plea on Nov. 21 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 at Neqotkuk.
Jennifer Paul was also charged with breach of a release order (no weapons), possession of a stolen licence plate, and possession of a prohibited weapon (a collapsible baton) without a licence on Oct. 23 at Neqotkuk. She will return to court in custody for plea on Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m. on the charges where she is jointly charged with her husband.
Nicholas Paul was also charged with breach of a release order and driving while prohibited on Sept. 22-24 at Neqotkuk, breach of a release order (no drugs), possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a stolen licence plate on Oct. 23 at Neqotkuk.
The couple appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 16 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing electronic monitoring devices attached to their ankles. They were rearrested a week later.
They were each charged with breaching their house arrest concerning an incident on Sept. 26 in the community. A hearing about the breach allegation will be held on Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Jennifer Paul was sentenced in September to three months of house arrest. She pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle, obstructing police, and possession of a firearm (a rifle) without a licence for an incident on Dec. 3, 2021, at Neqotkuk.
Nicholas Paul was ready for sentencing on other charges when he was arrested on Oct. 15 along with his wife.
He had already spent several months in custody after pleading guilty to breaching a release order by failing to follow the conditions of electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) for an incident on May 1 at Neqotkuk, and guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle and breach of probation concerning another incident on June 29, 2023, in Woodstock.
Quebec man awaits sentencing
A Quebec man remains in custody after a spike belt was used to stop a vehicle that was travelling in the wrong lane on the Trans Canada Highway and then fled from police near Woodstock during the early morning hours of Aug. 5.
Frederick Garneau Watson, 42, of Saint Liguori, was arrested by RCMP near Maliseet Fuels at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation) and remanded to jail.
He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Oct. 30 and pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, flight from police, assault and obstruction. He returns to court for sentencing on Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Police laid the charges after receiving a report of a vehicle travelling in the wrong lane on Highway 2 around 1:30 a.m. and then spotted it driving erratically in the parking lot at Maliseet Fuels. The vehicle attempted to flee the scene. Police deployed a tire deflation device to stop it. The driver exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene. A loaded handgun was located in the vehicle after his arrest.
Ontario pair returning for plea
Two Polish immigrants, who failed to appear in August on theft charges, appeared in provincial court in Woodstock by video on Oct. 31 for plea. They were assisted in the proceedings by a Polish interpreter.
Jan Kaminski, 53, and Monika Kwiatkowska, 44, of Etobicoke, Ontario, were jointly charged by RCMP with four counts of theft. They were released from custody on July 25 on a $1,000 bail bond and ordered to return to their Ontario residence under house arrest immediately.
On Oct. 31, Judge Karen Lee adjourned their plea until Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at their defence counsel’s request. They will appear by video from their lawyer’s office in Toronto at that time. The warrants for their arrest were vacated.
The theft charges were laid following a series of shoplifting incidents at BMR Besthome Hardware and Building Supplies stores in Florenceville-Bristol and Hartland on March 5, at BMR Besthome Hardware and Building Supplies in Florenceville-Bristol on July 3, and at Brennan Home Hardware in Florenceville-Bristol on July 20.
During their court appearance on Sept. 19, a new charge of breaching a release order was laid against each of them for failing to report to the police.
Kaminski and Kwiatkowska were arrested in connection with numerous thefts in New Brunswick and across Canada including Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
They allegedly advertised items for sale online via Facebook Marketplace and on Amazon. Once an interested buyer was identified, the two accused made a list of items and stole them from different businesses. They would then immediately ship the items to the buyer. Police are actively working to determine if there were other victims.
