345 days in jail for ‘road rage style’ crime
Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, was sentenced on March 18 to 345 days in jail, minus time served, after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. He was also fined $2,000 and was prohibited from driving for three years.
Judge Karen Lee also ordered Hayes to register with the federal DNA database. He has 39 days left to serve in custody once his remand time is applied.
Hayes pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while suspended in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville. The court heard details of a high-speed chase that ended in a car crash on the Gregg Settlement Road.
Crown Prosecutor Samantha Goodine told the court the incident began in the early morning hours when people came to Hayes’ mobile home and started a fight in the driveway. They drove off, nearly hitting Hayes’ girlfriend, so he sped after them in his vehicle, ramming their car four times before it went into the ditch. The woman driver suffered minor injuries in the collision, and her car sustained significant damage from the four impacts. Hayes returned to the trailer park with his vehicle damaged in the front end.
“Look at what I have to (expletive) do when psychos come around,” Hayes yelled upon his return.
Police received a 911 call about the car chase and found Hayes highly intoxicated and hiding in the woods near his home. He was aggressive toward the police officers during his arrest.
Judge Lee described the incident as a “road rage style situation” with Hayes taking a “targeted risk toward a targeted individual,” while driving under the influence of alcohol and without a licence. The judge stressed Hayes could have caused more serious injuries or even death when he chased and rammed the other car four times until it left the road.
Defence Counsel Alex Carleton explained there were no serious injuries in the collisions and noted his client struggles with mental health issues and drug addiction. Hayes has a lengthy prior criminal record.
Hayes also pleaded guilty to breach of probation and shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on March 14, 2023, and breach of probation and driving while prohibited on July 1, 2023, in Woodstock.
Sentencing rescheduled on sex charge
A River de Chute man facing a lengthy prison term appeared in provincial court on March 18 for sentencing on a sex charge.
Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with sexual assault and touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022.
Judge Karen Lee adjourned sentencing until May 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his new Defence Counsel, Wanda Severns. Judge Lee told Sargefield the crown recommended eight years in prison for the accused.
Sargefield pleaded guilty at an earlier court appearance, and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown for his sentencing. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim over six years.
Sargefield then requested to withdraw his guilty plea. Lee reviewed court transcripts with him, noting he answered the charge on the record by saying: “I’m guilty for the things I did.” He then gave testimony at a hearing when Judge Lee ruled his guilty plea would stand.
Sentenced adjourned to new date
Cassidy Guest, 33, of Grand Falls, appeared in provincial court on March 18 for sentencing on an assault charge. The matter was adjourned for sentencing until April 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Guest was charged by RCMP in connection with an incident on July 21, 2022, at the Perth-Andover Motor Inn. The court heard Guest launched a surprise attack on another man in the parking lot and punched and kicked him. He was first charged with assault causing bodily harm but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault.
At another court appearance, Guest was also charged by Woodstock Police with assault by choking, unlawful confinement, assault involving a female victim, uttering threats, breach of an undertaking, robbery of a cell phone, mischief causing property damage, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) concerning an incident between Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 in Woodstock.
A co-accused, Lori Guest of Grand Falls, was charged with being an accessory after the fact in the alleged crime. They both return to court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Found fit to stand trial
Mitchell McKenzie, 39, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial custody on March 17 following a five-day mental health assessment at the Restigouche Hospital.
Judge Karen Lee found McKenzie fit to stand trial and released him with conditions. He returns to court for plea on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. His medical report indicated he struggles with heavy drug and alcohol abuse, affecting his mental health, but that he understood the charge against him and the court process.
McKenzie appeared in court in custody on March 10 after being arrested on a warrant. RCMP charged him with assaulting another man with a weapon (a wooden pole) following an incident on July 24, 2024, at Wotstak. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 25, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, but then failed to return to court for plea on Dec. 17, 2024.
Held for bail hearing
Shawn Sullivan, 38, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 17 after being arrested on the weekend on new charges. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on March 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Sullivan was charged by RCMP with breach of a release order (no-contact) and breach of probation, stemming from an incident on March 14 at Gladwyn.
He appeared in court in custody by video on Feb. 24 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions but was taken back into custody.
RCMP charged Sullivan with breaching his release order and breach of probation concerning an incident on Feb. 20 in Waterville. He was also charged with theft from the Twin Rivers Paper Company in Plaster Rock on Jan. 12.
Sullivan is also scheduled for trial on Dec. 17 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to two more charges. He was charged with assaulting another man and breach of probation in connection with an incident on Nov. 23, 2024, at Plaster Rock and Gladwyn. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant. Sullivan has a prior criminal record.
Directed verdict of not guilty
Jerry Inman, 68, of Kincardine, appeared in provincial court on March 18 to set a date for the continuation of his trial on a firearm charge laid by RCMP.
Crown Prosecutor Sean Corscadden told the court the crown was calling for no further evidence and that the trial would not proceed. Judge Karen Lee handed Inman a directed verdict of not guilty.
Inman was charged with intentionally discharging a firearm into or at a place, knowing another person was present there in connection with an incident on April 27, 2023, in Kincardine. He pleaded not guilty.
Released with ankle bracelet
Crystal Lee Phillips, 44, of East Brighton, appeared in provincial court on March 18 in custody on new charges laid by RCMP. She was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She returns to court for plea on April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Phillips was charged with breaching her release order (curfew) on March 17 and resisting arrest on March 16 at Wilmot. The court heard she will be residing at a residence in East Brighton.
At an earlier court appearance, Phillips was charged with breaching her curfew in connection with an incident on Jan. 23 in Woodstock. She appeared in court in custody and was released with conditions. Her plea date was reset for April 8 at 9:30 a.m.
Phillips is also awaiting trial on June 2 and June 4 at 9:30 a.m. on other separate charges. RCMP charged her with fleeing police and dangerous driving following an incident on Feb. 24, 2024, at Jacksonville.
Woodstock Police also charged her with fleeing police and driving while suspended on Feb. 6, 2024, fraudulent impersonation, using a credit card knowing it was obtained by fraudulent means, and defrauding the Walmart in Woodstock between Aug. 10, 2019, and June 23, 2023.
She appeared in provincial court in custody on April 18, 2024, on another charge of breaching her curfew laid by Woodstock Police.
Phillips appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 2, 2024, on other charges laid by Woodstock Police. She was released with conditions at that time, including a curfew. She was charged with illegal possession of methamphetamine and breaking into a dwelling house on March 31, 2024, in Woodstock.
She also appeared for trial on Jan. 16 in relation to other separate charges. Phillips was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of stolen property (Sobeys gift card) concerning an incident on May 30, 2022, in Woodstock. The matter was moved to the alternative measures program. Phillips has until April 15 to complete the requirements of the program in order to have the charge withdrawn.
Arthurette man awaits sentencing
Nicholas William Sutthery, 40, of Arthurette, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on March 17 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. He was released from custody to await his sentencing on June 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Sutthery was denied bail on Oct. 3. He was charged by RCMP with three counts of uttering threats at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) on Sept. 25, assault with a weapon (ramming a vehicle), dangerous driving, break and enter at a dwelling house, and possession of a stolen ATV on May 27 in Perth-Andover, and breach of an undertaking on July 16.
During an earlier court appearance, Sutthery was also charged with possessing a stolen truck in connection with an incident between Jan. 1 and 11 at Carlingford. He has a dated prior criminal record.
Plea adjourned
Mackenzie O’Keefe, 26, of Tobique Narrows, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 18 to answer charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for plea on April 8 at 11 a.m.
O’Keefe appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 4 after being arrested on warrants. He was released with conditions but was later remanded for a mental health assessment at the Restigouche hospital on other separate charges in Edmundston.
O’Keefe was charged with mischief causing property damage to a windshield on Oct. 26, 2023, at Tobique Narrows, and possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while suspended on Dec. 30, 2023, at Quaker Brook, Victoria County.
Sentencing set
Collin Francis Bear, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for sentencing in provincial court on March 19 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading guilty to an assault charge laid by RCMP.
Bear 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, 2023, at Neqotkuk. He appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.
On Nov. 21, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) and the remaining charges were withdrawn by the crown.
Two charged with break and enter
Makayla Marie Shaw, 27, of Plaster Rock, and Adam Demerchant, of Moncton, will appear in provincial court on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. for a plea on a break-and-enter charge laid by Woodstock Police. They both appeared in court on March 18 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Demerchant first appeared in court in custody on March 4 and was released with conditions. Shaw appeared in court in custody on Feb. 25 on a charge of breaching a release order (curfew) between Sept. 15, 2024, and Nov. 7, 2024, in Woodstock. She was released to return to a rehab facility in Moncton.
Woodstock Police charged the pair with breaking into a residence on Creighton Street in Woodstock on Sept. 26, 2024.
Facing new charges
Damian Oakes, 26, of Coldstream, appeared in provincial court on March 18 to answer two new charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until April 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Oakes was charged with uttering threats and unlawful entry at a dwelling house in connection with an incident on Dec. 2, 2024, at Coldstream.
He also appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Feb. 12-13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Oakes was charged with indictable sexual assault, touching for a sexual purpose, and using a weapon to commit an assault (a lighter) in connection with an incident between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 13, 2021. A pre-trial conference will be held on Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m.
Trial date set
London Murchison, 19, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on March 18 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for March 5, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Murchison was charged with assault with a weapon (a knife) and possession of a prohibited weapon (a butterfly knife) concerning an incident on Sept. 2, 2024, at Plaster Rock.
Not-guilty plea
Seth McAskill, 21, of Wapske, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on March 18 to answer assault charges laid by RCMP. A not-guilty plea was entered by his lawyer on his behalf, and a trial date was set for March 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
McAskill appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 21 and was released with conditions. He was charged with two counts of assault involving a female victim on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 2024, at Plaster Rock and breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order on Jan. 20 at Plaster Rock.
Woodstock man gets trial date
Daniel Jonathan Demerchant, 35, of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on March 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. His lawyer entered his not-guilty plea on his behalf during a court appearance on March 18.
Demerchant was charged with breaching a no-contact order on Dec. 21, 2024, at Glassville, criminal harassment between Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, 2024, at Glassville; and breaching an undertaking on Dec. 4, 2024, in Woodstock.
Trial date moved
Brady Crawford, 30, of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on July 24 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial was first set for March 24 but was adjourned to the new date at the court’s request.
Crawford appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 15 and was released with conditions. He was charged by Woodstock Police with two counts of assault, uttering threats and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) concerning an incident on Feb. 11, 2024, in Woodstock.
He was also charged with assault and assault by choking between June 1 and Sept. 1, 2023, in Woodstock; assault by choking between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1, 2023, in Woodstock; and assault by choking and unlawful confinement between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.
Trial on assault charges
Dylan Thibodeau, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to charges laid by RCMP.
Thibodeau appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 24, 2024, and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with three counts of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, breaking and entering a dwelling house and assault in connection with an incident on Jan. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Returning for plea
Lacy Ann McClendon of Perth-Andover will appear in provincial court on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on charges laid by RCMP.
McClendon was charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, driving while suspended and breach of a peace bond in connection with an incident on Jan. 31. She appeared in court on March 18 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Charged with mischief
Sheila Ann Paul, 55, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 18 to answer a mischief charge laid by RCMP. She returns to court for plea on April 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Paul was charged with mischief causing property damage to a shed concerning an incident on Sept. 24, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Charges withdrawn
The crown withdrew charges against Hannah Dawn McGuire, 18, of Woodstock, when she appeared in provincial court for plea on March 18.
McGuire and Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock, formerly of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation, were charged by Woodstock Police following an assault outside the Royal Canadian Legion on Nov. 14, 2024.
Police were called to the scene, and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Christian was charged with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. He returns to court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
The pair was arrested on a warrant while attempting to cross the Woodstock-Houlton border on Dec. 20, 2024. They were held in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 23, 2024, and released with conditions.
Sentencing reset on three charges
James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, will appear for sentencing in provincial court on June 3 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to three charges.
Dow was charged by RCMP with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement. His sentencing was set for March 18 but was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard Dow was entering a rehab program.
Pair charged in shooting at Mainstream
Patrick Harris, 40, of Fredericton, and Tamara Hamilton, 30, of Woodstock, are both facing charges following a shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17. They will both appear in provincial court on March 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Harris appeared in court in custody by video on March 11 when his bail hearing was adjourned to the new date.
Hamilton was released on Feb. 20 with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle. She was placed under house arrest with a curfew at a residence in Woodstock. She appeared in court on March 11 when her matter was adjourned to the new date.
Harris was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence, wearing a mask with intent to commit an offence; uttering threats against another man, breach of probation, pointing a gun at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and being an occupant of a vehicle (a half-ton truck) knowing it carried a firearm.
Hamilton was charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited (a sawed-off shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, discharging a firearm at a place while reckless as to whether a person was present, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun.
The pair was arrested by RCMP inside a garage in Pembroke after a blue half-ton truck was spotted leaving the scene of the shooting in Mainstream on Feb. 17.
Greenfield man gets trial date
Jorge Heinz Fenske, 56, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 18 and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for May 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Fenske was denied bail and remanded to jail on Feb. 27. He was charged with breaching an undertaking (no-contact order) in connection with an incident on Feb. 1 at Greenfield and breach of an undertaking (no contact), assault with a weapon and uttering threats between Feb. 14-15 at Greenfield.
Fenske was also charged with assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim, assault with a weapon (a broom), and unlawful confinement for an incident on Nov. 16, 2024, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation). He was also charged with assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats and taking a vehicle without consent following an incident on Dec. 10, 2024, at Wotstak.
On March 6, Defence Counsel Tim Culbert requested a hearing for Fenske on two other firearm charges. Fenske was charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence and improper storage of a firearm, stemming from an incident on Dec. 14, 2023, in Greenfield.
Culbert told the court he would be seeking a motion to quash the charges due to an error in the information provided by the police. A hearing was set for March 27 at 9:30 a.m. Fenske’s trial on the firearm charges, set for March 17, was postponed until after the hearing.
In custody on six charges
Greg Paul McCormick, 36, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 18 for plea on six charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard a resolution is being sought with the crown.
McCormick was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (a taser) while prohibited from having it and possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence concerning an incident on Feb. 25 in Woodstock.
He was also charged with breach of probation, mischief causing property damage to a truck, and possession of a weapon (a BB gun) to commit an offence on Feb. 25 at Wotstak. Another breach of probation charge was also laid for an incident on Feb. 9 at Wotstak.
In custody awaiting trial
Brandon Michael Francis, 29, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on March 18 and pleaded not guilty to charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for April 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Francis appeared in court in custody via teleconference on March 3 after being arrested on a warrant. RCMP charged him with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) concerning an incident on Jan. 10 at Neqotkuk. He waived his bail until later.
He was also charged with breach of probation, breach of a no-contact order, and resisting arrest following another incident on Jan. 1-2 at Neqotkuk. He was released from custody with conditions on Jan. 4 and then taken back into custody a few days later for allegedly cutting off his ankle bracelet. Francis has a prior criminal record.
In custody awaiting plea
Jacob Alexander Roy, 27, of Windsor, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. for plea on charges laid by RCMP.
Roy was charged with breaching a release order by violating the conditions of his house arrest (ankle bracelet) following an incident on Feb. 8 at Coldstream. He has been in custody since his arrest and waived his bail until later.
Roy was also charged by Woodstock Police with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine, both for the purpose of trafficking, breach of a release order, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, concerning an incident in Woodstock on Aug. 3, 2024. The crown withdrew another charge of possessing a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles).
Neqotkuk woman awaiting plea
Amy Moulton of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) will appear in provincial court on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. to answer two charges laid by RCMP.
Moulton was charged with impaired driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident following an incident on Sept. 28, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She was scheduled to enter a plea on March 18 when the matter was adjourned to a new date at the request of her defence.
Trial date set
Gary Ross, 45, of Richmond Settlement, appeared in provincial court on March 18 for monitoring about his trial in December on an assault charge. He returns to court for further monitoring on July 8 at 9:30 a.m. to confirm he has legal counsel to proceed.
RCMP charged Ross with assaulting another man following an incident on Feb. 22, 2024, at Perth-Andover. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m.
Warrant issued
The court issued an arrest warrant for Brett Roger Chase, 26, of Central Waterville, after he failed to appear in provincial court on March 18 for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.
Chase was charged with fleeing police following an incident in Woodstock. He made his first court appearance on Feb. 25, when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Centreville woman pleads guilty
Amber Dawn Shaw, 35, of Centreville, will appear in provincial court for sentencing on June 18 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.
Shaw was charged with obstructing police, fraudulent impersonation and breach of probation following an incident on June 22, 2024, in Upper Woodstock. She entered her guilty plea at a court appearance on March 18.
New trial dates
Brandon Levesque, 26, of Gordonsville, appeared in provincial court in custody on March 18 to set new dates for his trial after pleading not guilty to charges laid by RCMP. His new trial dates were set for April 30 at 9:30 a.m. and May 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Levesque remains in custody. He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 12, 2024, for a bail hearing and waived his bail until later. He was arrested in October and released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was brought back into custody.
Levesque was charged by RCMP with breaching his release order (curfew), assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, and assaulting a police officer in connection with an incident on Oct. 11, 2024, in Gordonsville.
He was also charged by RCMP with breaking into a dwelling house and mischief causing property damage to a door on July 30, 2024, in Plaster Rock and assault with a weapon (a rock) involving a female victim on July 28, 2024, in Plaster Rock.
Awaiting trial date
Randall Flewelling, 59, of Richmond Corner, appeared in provincial court on March 18 to set a date for his trial on two charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until April 15 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to consult his lawyer about a trial date.
Flewelling was charged with impaired driving and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on Oct. 19, 2024, at Benton. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Feb. 18.
Returning for plea
Kelsey Schriver, 25, of Johnville, will appear in provincial court on April 15 at 9:30 a.m. to answer one charge laid by RCMP.
Schriver was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle following an incident on Aug. 4, 2024, in Lakeville. She was scheduled for plea on March 18 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
New trial date
Jessica Brewer, 35, of Wakefield, appeared in provincial court on March 18 to set a new trial date on two assault charges laid by RCMP. Her trial was scheduled for Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Brewer was charged with assault on a minor and assault with a weapon (plates, spoons and a chair) in connection with an incident between Jan. 1, 2019, and May 20, 2024, in Wakefield. She pleaded not guilty.
Two charges in driving incident
Olivia Annette Young, 32, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on April 8 at 9:30 a.m. to answer two charges laid by Woodstock Police.
Young was charged with flight from police and dangerous driving concerning an incident on Sept. 13, 2024, in Woodstock. She is also awaiting trial on Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. in relation to a breach charge.
Young failed to appear in court for plea on March 18, and a warrant was held on file.
Johnville man awaits sentencing
Ryan Troy O’Donnell, 27, of Johnville, will appear in provincial court in custody for sentencing on two charges on March 19 at 1:30 p.m.
O’Donnell was denied bail on Jan. 9. RCMP charged him with possession of stolen property (cheques) in Beechwood on Dec. 16, 2023, and mischief causing property damage on Feb. 15, 2024. He changed his plea to guilty.
O’Donnell pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an incident in Beechwood between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30, 2021. He was found not guilty after trial on March 5. O’Donnell has a prior criminal record.
Beaconsfield man awaiting trial
Tyler Williams, 24, of Beaconsfield, will appear for trial in provincial court on Jan. 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to a mischief charge.
RCMP charged Williams with mischief causing property damage to a car window, stemming from an incident on November 20, 2024, at Beaconsfield. He pleaded not guilty on Feb. 25. A monitoring date for his trial was also set for June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Trial set on two charges
Dynielle Allison Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 18 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. Her trial date was set for March 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Demerchant was charged with possession of stolen property and breach of probation concerning an incident in Woodstock on Sept. 17, 2024.
She appeared in provincial court in custody on March 13 to answer other charges related to an alleged break-in on Charlotte Street on Sept. 6-7, 2024. She was released with conditions and returns to court for plea on April 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Plea adjourned
Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 18 for plea on an assault charge. The matter was adjourned until April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.
Calhoun was charged by Woodstock Police with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking until his next court appearance.
Hartland man awaiting trial
Dylan Rideout, 26, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court on March 18 and pleaded not guilty to two threat charges. His trial date was set for March 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Rideout will also appear for trial in provincial court on June 16 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three other charges laid by RCMP.
Rideout was charged with uttering threats involving a female victim, possession of a firearm without a licence and careless use of a firearm (a shotgun) concerning an incident on Aug. 9, 2024, at Cloverdale.
Plea delayed on firearm charges
Kathleen Paul, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 18 to answer two firearm charges. Her plea date was adjourned until March 25 at 9:30 a.m. to allow her more time to consult legal counsel.
Paul was charged by RCMP with possession of a prohibited firearm and being an occupant of a vehicle, knowing it carried a gun. She was arrested on Jan. 30 and released with conditions. The court heard she also has other charges in Edmundston.
Charges to be withdrawn
The crown intends to withdraw charges laid against Daniel Jr. Francis, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), when he appears in provincial court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Francis appeared in provincial court in custody for a bailing hearing on Feb. 24 and was released with conditions. He was not present in court on March 18 and a warrant was held on file.
RCMP charged him with mischief causing property damage to a door and breach of probation concerning an incident on Feb. 20 at Neqotkuk.
Couple facing multiple charges
A Neqotkuk couple will appear in provincial court in custody by video on April 3 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on multiple charges laid by RCMP.
Nicholas Paul, 47, and his wife, Jennifer Louise Paul, 45, were arrested at Tobique First Nation. They appeared in court in custody on March 18, when the matter was adjourned to the new date.
Jennifer Paul was denied bail in December. She was charged with 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 gun for an incident on Sept. 25, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
Nicholas Paul was charged with possession of stolen property (cash) for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He appeared in court in custody by video on Jan. 30 and waived his bail until later.
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, 2024, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew other charges of trafficking in cocaine on March 18.
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, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty and has trial dates on April 14 and April 24.
Nicholas Paul was also charged with breach of a release order and driving while prohibited on Sept. 22-24, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and breach of a release order (no drugs), possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a stolen licence plate on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk.
On March 11, the couple appeared in court in custody. The court heard a resolution is being sought with the crown to resolve matters where they are jointly charged.
