Local business owners say they’ve had to change their point-of-sale systems on short notice, but others expect customers will spend more after tax break begins today.

Moncton police Cpl. Aurèle Bourgeois and Const. Mike O'Leary were killed in 1974 as they were investigating a kidnapping.

Premier Susan Holt’s government appears headed for a confrontation with Ottawa over $70 million in tax revenue the province will lose as a result of a federal sales-tax holiday starting this weekend.

While an official announcement isn’t expected anytime soon, it appears the Acadie-Bathurst Titan will be moving to St. John’s, according to several hockey insiders.

Almost all charges against two men who allegedly sexually exploited people online and threatened them into paying thousands of dollars were stayed by a prosecutor this week.

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A Québec City man was sentenced to probation this week for a sex-crime he perpetrated against a young girl when he was also a minor.

The offender appeared before Justice Cameron Gunn in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday for sentencing, after previously pleading guilty to touching a minor for sexual purpose in Oromocto between July 1, 2010 and Aug. 31, 2015.

While Gunn is a judge of the Court of King’s Bench, he was still a provincial court judge when he was initially seized with the case, explaining why he was appearing once again in the lower court.

Court heard previously that the RCMP investigated a complaint about the defendant, alleging that when he was between the ages of 13 and 15, he had sexually abused a girl who’d been only six to eight years old during the relevant timeframe.

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While many stores are alive with busy holiday shoppers, one business owner in Saint John says shoplifting has become an increasing problem in recent years.

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A Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation man who’d been freed subject to conditions of judicial release orders on several occasions has been denied his freedom after his latest bail hearing.

Callum James McGraw, 37, of Geegan Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Thursday for a bail hearing.

He’s awaiting trial on numerous charges dating back May 10, 2023, and alleged to have occurred in Taymouth, just north of Fredericton.

The defendant had denied counts of possessing a stolen rifle and shotgun; violating a court order prohibiting him from possessing firearms; possessing them without a licence, and knowing he didn’t have a licence; possessing a stolen pellet gun, chainsaw and tool set; and being unlawfully at large.

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The provincial government announced eight major school projects earlier this week, and Education Minister Claire Johnson says a number of criteria are considered when assessing which proposals have the greatest need.

A boil water advisory for the town of Saint Andrews has been lifted after two days. 

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The Fredericton Police Force reports that officers detained a male suspect Tuesday evening after finding a loaded handgun, but he was released after a brief court appearance Thursday.

The police force issued a news release Friday morning about an incident earlier in the week allegedly involving a firearm, noting that officers responded to a weapons complaint in the uptown area Tuesday evening.

“Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and quickly apprehended a 33-year-old male,” the release said, noting the arrest occurred without incident.

“An initial search of the location resulted in the seizure of a loaded handgun.”

As a result of that arrest, Michael Donelle, 33, of Fredericton, was charged with counts of using a firearm in the commission of an offence, carrying a concealed weapon, occupying a motor vehicle knowing a firearm was located therein, possessing a loaded and restricted firearm and uttering threats, among others.

He was remanded after an initial court appearance Wednesday, and he was brought back before Fredericton provincial court Judge Lyne Raymond on Thursday afternoon, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.

However, prosecutor Megan Kervin instead changed the Crown’s position on his detention and consented to his release on a number of conditions.

Judge Lyne Raymond imposed the requested judicial release order, the conditions of which include the wearing and maintenance of an electronic-monitoring ankle bracelet.

Donnelle is due back in court Jan. 6 to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Fredericton man was sentenced this week to time already served for having care and control of a car while high, possessing a stolen car and fleeing from police, but he remains in custody.

Zacary Robert Morris, 25, of Needham Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in custody Wednesday for a sentencing hearing on various charges.

However, he also faces outstanding counts alleging drug-trafficking activity that he’s denied and for which he’s set to stand trial.

Those charges include possessing meth, fentanyl and cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, possessing the proceeds of crime - $2,340 in Canadian currency - all alleged to have occurred March 30.

An evidentiary hearing in the case is scheduled for June 3 in provincial court, and the trial is slated for Aug. 11 and 12.

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For the second year in a row, the City of Fredericton is freezing the regional airport's property-tax rate and raising the rate for thousands of homeowners.

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For the third time in two weeks, police responded urgently to a report of a weapon-related threat Thursday, though like once from last week, officers found no safety risk.

The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory through social media Thursday afternoon about a significant police presence at Fredericton High School between Priestman and Prospect streets beginning over the lunch hour.

“This afternoon at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) responded to Fredericton High School (FHS) after school administration received information indicating a potential firearm may have been within the building,” the force’s post said.

“Police arrived on scene at 12:46 p.m., and the school was quickly placed in a partial lockdown while officers secured the premises and ensured the safety of students and staff.”

It said that after a thorough search and investigation, police determined there was no threat, prompting the end of the partial lockdown at 2:57 p.m.

“Although this potential firearm response turned out to be unfounded, the FPF will always treat such situations with the utmost seriousness and take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety,” the force said.

Thursday’s events came just six days after a similar situation at FHS. On Dec. 6, the school was placed on a lockdown after a similar and also unfounded threat was made.

“[That] afternoon at 3:35 p.m., the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) responded to a potential threat at Fredericton High School,” the force said last week.

“A student received a text message from an unknown number indicating a potential shooter scenario, prompting the school administration to contact 911.”

Nothing was found, and students and staff were permitted to leave the building shortly before 6 p.m.

And on Nov. 28, city police officers responded to FHS, but in that instance, it appears there was some merit to the emergency call.

Police arrested a 14-year-old male student, who was later released on conditions, with a promise to appear in court at a later date.

It’s expected he’ll face such charges as possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and carrying a concealed weapon, a police spokesperson said late last month.

Police didn’t reveal the nature of the weapon alleged to have been involved in that incident.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for certain Oasis Treasures-brand Pistachio Dubai Chocolate bars because of possible salmonella contamination.

With space for up to 40 people, the shelter will operate out of the former Winners Lounge at the Fredericton Exhibition grounds.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says the federal and provincial governments are prepared to hit the U.S. "where it hurts," if president-elect Donald Trump moves forward with a pledge to slap tariffs of 25 per cent on goods from Canada.

Grey 2022 Dodge Ram stolen from a Plaster Rock business on Nov. 27

The Perth-Andover RCMP is asking for the public’s help to locate a stolen truck from Plaster Rock, N.B.

The theft is believed to have occurred on November 27, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., at a business on Main Street in Plaster Rock.

The vehicle is described as a grey 2022 Dodge Ram with New Brunswick licence plate CWV 266 and vehicle identification number 1C6R1C6RR7GT7NS204089. A photo of the truck is currently unavailable.

If you have seen the truck since November 27, or if you have information that could help further the investigation, please contact the Perth-Andover RCMP at 506-273-5000.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The post RCMP ask for public’s help to locate stolen truck first appeared on River Valley Sun.

An auto business in Carleton County is looking for an auto mechanic.

The post Mechanic wanted first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The case of a Woodstock RCMP officer charged in connection with missing evidence, including cash, has been delayed.

A Moncton man has pleaded guilty to a pair of charges midway through his trial, admitting he shot a Riverview teacher outside a high school in 2021.

More than 50,000 N.B. Power customers woke up in the dark on Thursday morning after a rain and wind storm blew through the province.

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A former Harvey resident accused of sexually abusing his younger sister sought to postpone his trial Wednesday because he’s hired a new lawyer - for the second time.

Robert Philip Warrington, 29, of Dartmouth, N.S., but formerly of New Maryland and Harvey, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone Wednesday.

He faces RCMP charges of incest, sexual assault, sexual touching, invitation to sexual touching, voyeurism and provision of sexually explicit material to a minor. all alleging offences against his younger sister, Jasmine Warrington, in Harvey between Sept. 7, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2016.

Also attending the proceeding by phone was defence lawyer Isabelle Caissie, who took over the case last month from Spencer MacInnis, Warrington’s original defence counsel, who recently went on a maternity leave.

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The Department of Health is breaking the law with the MyHealthNB platform and is trying to use a disclaimer to get around its linguistic obligations, according to a new report from the official languages commissioner.

A Woodstock charity that provides meals, transitional housing and a drop-in centre has been hit by online fraud.

He and St. Stephen man facing vehicle theft and weapons charges

A 40-year-old man from Hartland, N.B., and a 26-year-old man from St. Stephen, N.B., have been charged following a flight from police in Oak Bay, N.B.

On December 10, 2024, at approximately 1:50 a.m., the St. Stephen RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on Highway 1 near Oak Bay. As police approached, the vehicle driver performed a U-turn and started driving into the oncoming traffic.

Shortly after, a tire deflation device was successfully deployed, but the vehicle kept travelling at a low speed. After several kilometres, the vehicle stopped on Loop Road, in Upper Mills. A 40-year-old man and a 26-year-old man were arrested at the scene without incident.

On December 10, 2024, 26-year-old Kody Hiltz of St. Stephen appeared in Saint John Provincial Court and was charged with:

After the arrest, police determined that the vehicle used was stolen. Police searched the vehicle and seized a loaded weapon, a prohibited weapon, hard-plate body armour, and other items.

-Resisting arrest
-Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
-Careless use of a firearm
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm
-Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
-Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
-Weapons possession contrary to an order and failure to surrender authorization
-Failure to comply with a probation order
-Driving a motor vehicle while being prohibited
-Flight from police

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court at a later date.

The same day, 40-year-old Patrick Thomas Harris of Hartland appeared in Saint John Provincial Court and was charged with:

-Careless use of a firearm
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm
-Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
-Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
-Weapons possession contrary to an order and failure to surrender authorization
-Failure to comply with a probation order
-Assault of a police officer with a weapon

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court at a later date.

“The New Brunswick RCMP is committed to reducing crime in rural areas and removing illegal firearms from our communities to make our province safer,” said Cpl. Peter Lambert of the St. Stephen RCMP. ” I would like to commend the officers involved for their professionalism and effective coordination, which ensured a safe resolution to the situation without any injuries to the public.”

The investigation is ongoing.

The post Hartland man arrested after police chase near Oak Bay first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The police release a photo of a vehicle of interest in its investigation of a Chipman-area car fire and two deaths

The New Brunswick RCMP’s Major Crime Unit recently released a photo of a vehicle of interest as it investigates a double homicide in the Chipman area. 

Despite the photo’s relatively low quality, police hope someone recognizes the vehicle or has information to further the RCMP investigation. 

The RCMP said the vehicle, believed to be a red Toyota Corolla, was seen in the Chipman area in the late evening hours of Nov. 24 and the early morning hours of Nov. 25. 

The investigation began Nov. 25, after the Chipman RCMP detachment responded at approximately 8 a.m. to a report of a vehicle on fire with two people inside, off Midland Road in Chipman. 

When police arrived at the scene, they located the bodies of two individuals inside of the vehicle. The RCMP determined their deaths as homicides.

The River Valley Sun has confirmed the two victims are a man and a woman. The man is believed to be from the Nackawic region, and the woman is believed to be from the Sheffield area.

The RCMP asks anyone who recognizes the vehicle or could supply information to help investigators to contact the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).

Information could be relayed anonymously to the RCMP via Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The post RCMP seeks information as it investigates double homicide first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Temperance Vale man who previously failed to appear in court to deal with long-standing charges alleging fraud and driving offences was a no-show again Wednesday.

Christopher Theodore Johnson, 30, of Highway 595, had been held for a bail hearing late last month on outstanding charges dating back to 2021 to 2023, but he was released on conditions recently.

He was scheduled to appear in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to elect mode of trial and enter pleas on various charges.

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When Fundy Albert decided against Alma’s usual lobster trap Christmas tree this year, one resident stepped up to make it happen.

The Holt government faced criticism Wednesday from opposition politicians for making a campaign election promise that is now proving too complicated to keep.

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The parents of a Leo Hayes High School student named in a lawsuit by a Jewish classmate claim they can’t afford to pay for her legal representation, and their lawyer wants the plaintiffs to pay for it.

A Muslim girl who attends the school on Fredericton’s north side is named as a defendant along with her parents, Anglophone West district education council (DEC) and an unknown man.

The plaintiffs are a Jewish student at the school and her father, who’s acting as her litigation guardian.

The lawsuit claims the Muslim student assaulted the Jewish girl twice April 30 - once in the school and again off school grounds - and that her actions were motivated by anti-Semitism.

None of the allegations in the statement of claim has been proven in court.

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A legal battle between the New Brunswick government and a Moncton-area school district over a gender identity policy has ended.

John McLaughlin and his granddaughter Ella were supposed to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Vienna this summer, but the concert was cancelled because of safety concerns. Instead, McLaughlin surprised Ella with tickets to Swift’s final show in Vancouver.

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A Fredericton woman who’s behind bars for a variety of property crimes and violations of court orders saw a pair of charges from this spring dropped in court this week.

Joe-Anna Marcella Hachey, 31, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video-conference from jail Tuesday to set trial dates for a couple of outstanding charges.

She pleaded not guilty last month to May 24 counts of possession of a stolen 2010 Mazda 3 belonging to Ethan Harding-Mitchell and an associated breach of probation.

Hachey was also sentenced last month to 16½ months in jail, less credit for remand time, on a variety of other offences to which she’d pleaded guilty.

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A Wassis man whom Welamukotuk (Oromocto) First Nation residents allegedly tried to violently oust from the community in the spring has denied drug-trafficking and weapons allegations.

Anthony Shane O’Blenis, 27, of Route 655, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday on numerous charges.

He’s accused of cocaine possession for the purpose of trafficking, carrying a concealed weapon (a BB gun), possession of the BB gun for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, possession of proceeds of crime and trespassing, all alleged to have occurred at Welamukotuk First Nation on July 18.

Accompanied by defence lawyer Edward Derrah on Tuesday, the defendant elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to those charges.

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A boil water advisory has been issued for Saint Andrews residents because of work that's being completed on the water treatment plant, according to a social media post by town officials.

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A Fredericton man appeared in court this week to answer to allegations he sexually assaulted someone in the spring and assaulted that same person this fall.

Isaiah Waterall, 19, of Mason Avenue, made his first appearance in Fredericton provincial court Monday to answer to three summary charges, alleged to have occurred earlier this year.

Waterfall is accused of sexually assaulting a complainant between May 1 and 31, assaulted that same person Oct. 1 and damaged that individual’s iPhone 12, also on Oct. 1.

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Canada Pension fraud nets 15-month conditional sentence and restitution

A Carlow senior must refund the federal government thousands of dollars for cheating on his Canada Pension disability benefits.

Edwin Norman Pardy, 65, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Dec. 10 after pleading guilty to an indictable fraud charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Chief Judge Brian C. McLean ordered him to pay $42,960 in restitution to the federal government. Pardy was also handed a 15-month conditional sentence, including seven months of house arrest, with permission to attend work, and eight months of following a curfew. He was also placed on 12 months of probation.

Pardy was charged with defrauding Service Canada concerning incidents between July 27, 2017, and Nov. 26, 2021, at Woodstock. The court heard he was receiving disability benefits but returned to work part-time as a truck driver without reporting his earnings. He had no prior criminal record.

Defence Counsel Brent Dickinson said Pardy was injured in 2011 and was then diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He returned to work out of necessity but failed to report his earnings for about four years.

Dickinson said Pardy was receiving the Old Age Pension (OAS) but expected Service Canada to garnish the full amount of $800 per month for the debt he owed from the disability fraud.

Dickinson said his client was remorseful for his actions and was working as a truck driver despite his health problems. Pardy was also fined $200.

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 plea on Oct. 30 but the matter was adjourned to the new date to allow his defence counsel to further review the disclosure of evidence from the crown. 

The police officer faces four counts of theft and one count of breach of trust in connection with 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.

90 days in jail for Powers

Steven Frank Powers, 60, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Dec. 10 and pleaded guilty to one charge laid by RCMP.  He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, minus time served.

Powers appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 1 and waived his bail until later. He pleaded guilty to breach of probation in connection with an incident on Oct. 30 in Plaster Rock. He was ordered to have no contact with the female complainant. Powers had a lengthy prior criminal record.

Held for bail hearing

Robert McFarlane, 39, of Florenceville-Bristol, appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on Dec. 10 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on Dec. 11 at 1:30 p.m.

McFarlane was charged by RCMP with assaulting another man on April 4 at Florenceville-Bristol, and breaking into a dwelling house, committing mischief causing property damage to a door, and breach of an undertaking on May 4 in Johnville. He was arrested on a warrant on June 27 and released with conditions.

On Aug. 20, he appeared in provincial court to set a date for his trial after pleading not guilty. The matter was adjourned until Sept. 3 when he failed to appear.

As part of his release, McFarlane was ordered to follow a curfew, have no contact with the complainant and stay away from a residence in Johnville. He was also prohibited from the use of firearms.

Warrant issued for Lakeville man

The court issued another arrest warrant for Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, after he failed to appear in court to answer new charges on Dec. 10.

Stewart failed to appear in court for plea on Oct. 30 and an arrest warrant was also issued at that time. He 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 possession of stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville. He is still awaiting plea on those charges as well.

Sentencing set on two charges

James Earle Dow, 47, of Dow Settlement, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 6 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP.  His sentencing date was set for March 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Dow was charged with driving while prohibited and refusing a breathalyzer demand in connection with an incident on May 14, 2023, at Dow Settlement.

Charges withdrawn

Paul Rideout, 47, of Coldstream, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 2 after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. The crown withdrew the charges and the trial was cancelled.

Rideout was charged with possession of several firearms without a licence and improper storage of firearms in connection with an incident on Oct. 23, 2023, at Coldstream. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Feb. 13.

Warrant on file

Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Dec. 10 for plea on an assault charge. He did not attend and a warrant will be held on file until his next court appearance on Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Calhoun was charged by Woodstock Police with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30 in Woodstock.

Neqotkuk man to stand trial

Austin Aube, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court in custody on Dec. 13 at 9:30 a.m. to set a new date for his trial. He was scheduled for trial on Dec. 9 but the matter was adjourned to the new date at the crown’s request.

Aube appeared in court in custody by video on Aug. 29 and waived his bail until later. He was charged with flight from police, two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon (an ATV), resisting arrest, dangerous driving, possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence, and breach of an undertaking on July 28 at Neqotkuk; driving while suspended and flight from police on July 12 at Neqotkuk; assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim, assault by choking, and resisting arrest on May 8 at Neqotkuk. He was arrested on a warrant.

Crown called no evidence

Nicole Perley, 39, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 9 after pleading not guilty to two charges. The crown called no evidence and Perley received a directed verdict of not guilty.

Perley was charged by RCMP with break and enter at a dwelling house and assault involving another woman in connection with an incident on June 2, 2023, at Neqotkuk.

Murder charge in Nova Scotia

A Perth-Andover man is facing a murder charge in Nova Scotia while also awaiting plea on charges in Woodstock.

Patrick James Denny, 29, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 10 to answer charges laid by RCMP. He told the court he was currently serving a federal prison sentence and was also facing new charges in Nova Scotia.

Denny returns to court in custody for plea in Woodstock on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. on charges of reckless discharge of a firearm, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and possession of a firearm without a licence, concerning an incident on Nov. 15, 2022, in Hartland.

On Oct. 21, Denny was charged by Halifax RCMP with second-degree murder and committing an indignity to human remains in connection with a homicide that occurred in East Preston, Nova Scotia, on Aug. 30, 2022.

The charges were laid in Dartmouth Provincial Court after police responded to a report of a suspicious van parked behind a strip mall in East Preston. Inside the vehicle, RCMP discovered the body of Barry Angus Studley of Middle Sackville. Denny and Studley were known to each other.

In May 2023, Denny was sentenced in Woodstock to a total of three and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a police chase near Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation) that involved weapons and assaulting a police officer. Denny was on parole when he was arrested. He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 21, 2022, and waived his bail.

Sentencing delayed on sex charge

A River de Chute man, facing jail on a sex charge, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 for a hearing about withdrawing his guilty plea.

Martin Sargefield, 30, was charged by RCMP with touching a female minor for a sexual purpose (indictable) between July 1, 2016, and July 22, 2022. He pleaded guilty and the evidence against him was read into the record by the crown. The court heard about a series of sexual acts involving Sargefield and the victim.

Sargefield was unprepared to present legal arguments on Tuesday and did not have a lawyer to assist him. Chief Judge Brian C. McLean adjourned the hearing until Jan. 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

At that time, Sargefield must prove he was unaware of the allegations and charges, that he was unaware of the effect and consequences of his guilty plea, that his plea was not made voluntarily, and that his plea was equivocal in nature. 

Two other sex charges, which were to be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing, will remain before the court as a result of Sargefield’s request to take back his guilty plea.

Facing fraud charge

Cindy Mean, 64, of Lower Brighton, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 31 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on a fraud charge.

RCMP charged Mean with defrauding another person of a sum of money with a value not exceeding $5,000 in connection with incidents between Aug. 2 and Oct. 3, 2022, at Lower Brighton. She was scheduled for plea on Dec. 10 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.

Limestone woman charged

Brandi Cowper, 46, of Limestone, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by RCMP.

Cowper was charged with obstructing the course of justice concerning an incident on Aug. 10 in Jackson Falls. She was scheduled to attend court on Dec. 10 and did not appear but was represented by defence counsel.

Summerfield man awaiting trial

Michael Evan Shellard, 33, of Summerfield, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Oct. 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Shellard appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.

He was charged with discharging a firearm with intent, careless use of a firearm; possession of a firearm without a licence, and uttering threats in connection with an incident on Nov. 5 at Summerfield. He was also charged with assault and assault by choking involving a female victim for another incident on Nov. 3 at Summerfield.

Returning for plea

Braden Morgan, 27, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Morgan was charged with assault involving a female victim and uttering threats in connection with an incident on Oct. 30 in Woodstock. He was scheduled for plea on Dec. 10 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

Charged with impaired driving

Angela O’Donnell, 56, of Glassville, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to answer an impaired driving charge.

RCMP charged O’Donnell following an incident on June 16 at Fielding. She was scheduled for plea on Dec. 10 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.

Arrested on new charge

Brittany Priscilla King, 27, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 10. She was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Woodstock Police charged King with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring between Dec. 7 and Dec. 9 in Woodstock. She is also awaiting trial on other separate matters.

Woodstock Police charged King with assault with a weapon (a knife), assault causing bodily harm to a male victim, theft, and unlawful entry at a dwelling house concerning an incident on Nov. 5, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial dates were rescheduled for April 14 and April 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

She was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, dangerous driving, committing mischief causing property damage and assault using a vehicle following an incident on Sept. 17, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial was adjourned until May 8, 2025.

King was also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle on Nov. 22, 2022, and failing to attend court on Feb. 21, 2023. She pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for April 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Two charged with fraud

Two individuals from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 to answer fraud charges.

John Perley and Tara Sappier were each charged by RCMP with uttering forged documents (cheques) and fraud over $5,000 in connection with incidents between Sept. 12 and Oct. 6, 2022 at Neqotkuk. They both return to court for plea on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

The charges are related to a series of cheques stolen from the band office which were allegedly cashed by a number of individuals in the community. Other charges have been laid.

Plea adjourned on several charges

Logan Estey, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 to answer multiple charges. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Estey was charged by RCMP with assault, assault with a weapon (a car), and dangerous driving following an incident on July 24 at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).

Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of breaching a no-contact order concerning an incident on Aug. 3 in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no further contact with the complainant. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 8 and was released with conditions.

He was also charged with mischief causing property damage to a window and possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing an offence in connection with an incident on Jan. 1 in Upper Woodstock. The court heard Estey is also facing more charges in Fredericton.

Returning for plea on trafficking charges

Justin Ryan Shea, 36, of Plymouth Road, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 to answer two drug trafficking charges. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Shea was charged by Woodstock Police with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with incidents in Woodstock on June 30 and May 2.

Shea appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged by Woodstock Police with break, enter and theft at a dwelling house on Creighton Street on Sept. 26 and an additional charge of breaching an undertaking (curfew).

Shea was also charged with mischief causing property damage and break, enter and theft at the East Coast Truck Wash for an incident on March 17 in Lower Woodstock.

Sentencing set for manufacturing firearms

Kevin Manuel Cedros, 42, of Aroostook Junction, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 and pleaded guilty to seven of 10 charges related to the manufacture of firearms using a 3D printer. His sentencing date was set for March 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Cedros appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 5 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Cedros was also placed under house arrest. He was ordered to reside at a residence in Aroostook Junction and follow a curfew. Police will be checking on him on a regular basis and all 3D printer software and supplies were to be surrendered to the authorities immediately.

RCMP arrested Cedros after police received a report on Aug. 15 about a person manufacturing and selling 3D-printed firearms at a residence on Route 130 in Aroostook. Search warrants were executed and police uncovered 3D printed firearms, ammunition, numerous firearm parts, a 3D printer, prohibited magazines and electronic devices.  

In federal prison awaiting plea

Ryan Eccleston, 32, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video from federal prison on Dec. 10 to answer two charges laid by RCMP.

Eccleston was charged with being at large on a release order and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking. He returns to court in custody for plea on Jan. 7, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Eccleston was sentenced in 2021 to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to 11 charges laid by RCMP.  He was paroled and then returned to prison on the new charges. He told the court his prison sentence from 2021 expires in January.

Drug charge stayed

Rhonda Perley, 59, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was scheduled for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 10 when Judge Natalie LeBlanc ordered a stay of proceedings at the crown’s request.

Perley pleaded guilty to trafficking in cocaine for an incident on Feb. 27, 2020, at Neqotkuk. The court heard she could not appear for sentencing due to serious illness.

A co-accused, Jeffrey Phillips, 60, of Neqotkuk, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for drug trafficking when he appeared in provincial court on April 3.

Phillips pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Feb. 28, 2020, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew two other charges. Phillips had a prior criminal record for drug possession.

RCMP charged them after undercover police officers purchased cocaine from them at their home in Neqotkuk. The crown said the officers dealt with Phillips to make the purchase, but Perley was inside the house and aware of what was happening. Perley also talked to the officers about the deal and possible future deals.

Change of plea for Denny

Braxton Denny, 24, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 10 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing was set for March 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Denny pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and flight from police on July 22, 2023, in Jacksonville. Two counts of failing to appear in court, on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, 2023, were withdrawn by the crown.

Denny was also charged by Woodstock Police with assault, committing mischief by damaging a TV, and breach of a release order by failing to abstain from drugs between May 1 and June 6 in Woodstock; and assaulting a woman, assault by choking, two counts of uttering threats, committing mischief by damaging a mirror and a door, and breach of a release order by failing to abstain from drugs for another incident between June 6-7 in Woodstock.

He pleaded not guilty and his trial date was set for Sept. 11-12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for March 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Denny appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 17 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Trial set for Centreville man

Stacey Harry Broad, 56, of Centreville, is scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court in custody on Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to assault and mischief charges laid by RCMP.

Broad appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 23 and was denied bail. On May 9, he pleaded not guilty to multiple assault charges laid by RCMP.

Broad was charged with assault, assault by choking, sexual assault and unlawful confinement involving a female victim in connection with an incident in the County of York between April 3 and April 10.

He was released from custody with conditions but was re-arrested on a charge of breaching his release order on April 15.

Plea adjourned on two sets of charges

Dynielle Allison Demerchant, 28, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 29 to answer two charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of her defence counsel.

Demerchant was charged with identity theft (cards) and possession of methamphetamine concerning an incident on May 2 in Woodstock. She appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 4 and was released with conditions.

Demerchant was also 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.

On Nov. 1, her defence counsel told the court a resolution was pending on the trial matter but Demerchant did not appear to deal with the charges and a warrant was issued.

Sentencing set for Davenport

Timothy Grant Davenport, 46, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court in custody on Dec. 13 for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on six 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 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.

Three of the charges were withdrawn by the crown 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 one other offence after pleading guilty to a fraud charge.

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 was scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 9 when the matter was adjourned to Jan. 23, 2025, 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.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Conditional sentence, restitution order for Canada Pension fraud first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Freezing rain and poor road conditions caused the closure of a handful of schools in the northern part of New Brunswick Wednesday morning, with poor weather in the forecast for much of the province throughout the day.

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A Fredericton woman is facing allegations of using a forged cheque and defrauding the federal tax man.

Amanda Jayne Martin, 41, of Biggs Street, made her initial appearance in Fredericton provincial court Monday to answer to two criminal charges.

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In the first major reversal of a Liberal election promise, the Holt government will not be repealing the so-called “Higgs carbon adjustor” — one of its signature affordability commitments — by the end of this year.

The students slated to graduate this semester at the Fredericton campus of the Moncton flight college will be the last grads for the foreseeable future.

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Western and central areas of New Brunswick - including the capital region - will see freezing rain Tuesday evening, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

On top of the special weather statement in effect for much of the province due to heavy rains expected Wednesday into Thursday, the federal weather service also issued a freezing-rain warning Tuesday afternoon for many areas of the province.

“Freezing rain is expected or occurring,” the 3:45 p.m. alert stated, noting it would be in effect for western and central New Brunswick.

Among the affected areas are Fredericton, Oromocto, Grand Lake, Woodstock, Stanley and Doaktown.

It’s expected to begin Tuesday night and end Wednesday morning, lasting about four to six hours - perhaps.

“There is some uncertainty in the duration and intensity of the freezing rain,” the warning said.

“Initially it may fall as ice pellets or freezing drizzle for a period, followed by freezing rain before transitioning to rain on Wednesday.”

The weather service warned the freezing precipitation could make for slippery driving conditions, and render walkways and parking lots difficult to navigate as well.

Furthermore, the special weather statement issued Monday, forecasting heavy rains for Wednesday into Thursday, was upgraded Tuesday afternoon to a full rainfall warning for western New Brunswick, including the capital and surrounding areas, as well as the Fundy Coast.

Whereas on Monday the federal weather service was calling for up to 25 millimetres of rain in the region, the rainfall warning is now predicting 25 to 40 mm for areas under the alert.

“An intense low pressure system will track west of New Brunswick on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. This system will give periods of rain, at times heavy,” that warning said.

“Strong southerly winds gusting to 80 kilometres per hour will accompany this system, with gusts up to 90 km/hour over the Fundy Coast.”

The service also cautioned that such heavy downpours can cause flash-flooding and pooling of water on roads.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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Western and southern New Brunswick are in for a messy day.

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An Oromocto man arrested last week on stolen-car and firearm charges but sprung on conditions is back in custody, facing new charges and an allegation he violated his release conditions.

Alexander James Broome, 23, of Deer Park in Oromocto; and Stuart Raymond McCann, 42, of Moccasin Lane on the Welamukotuk (Oromocto) First Nation, were arrested by Fredericton police officers Nov. 26 and accused of various offences.

Both were charged with Nov. 26 counts of possession of a stolen 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe belonging to Stephanie Dufour, possession of a prohibited and altered firearm without a licence, occupation of a vehicle while knowing that prohibited firearm was contained therein, improper storage of the firearm, possession of break-in instruments (bolt cutters, a grinder and a hammer), and breaches of separate probation orders.

The two men were remanded pending bail hearings.

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New Brunswick’s new Liberal government is ramping up spending on infrastructure, but not by a large margin.

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Editor’s note: The reporter covering this court proceeding became involved in it unexpectedly, given how it focused in part on news coverage. As such, this article cites statements made in court by the journalist who wrote this report.

A lawyer representing the parents of a Muslim girl being sued by a Jewish schoolmate for alleged assaults at their school in the spring claimed Tuesday news coverage of the case is going too far.

A Jewish girl attending Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton and her father, acting as her litigation guardian, filed a lawsuit in September in the Court of King’s Bench arguing alleged assaults by a Muslim student April 30 were motivated by anti-Semitism.

Named as defendants in the case were the Muslim girl, her parents, Anglophone West district education council (DEC) and an unknown man who witnessed one of the two encounters between the girls that occurred off school grounds.

The original notice of action and statement of claim named both girls, but on Sept. 27, lawyers representing the Muslim girl’s parents applied to the Court of King’s Bench for a publication and broadcast ban on information that would tend to identify their daughter.

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New Brunswick's Department of Health is not meeting wait time targets for people seeking addiction and mental health treatment, and despite an increase in demand for treatment, has not increased its budgeted amounts for those services, according to a report by auditor general Paul Martin.

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As detectives with its major crime unit continue their investigation into a double homicide in Chipman last month, the RCMP has released a photo of a car that might be connected to the case.

Last month, the force announced it was investigating the deaths of two people found in a burning car the morning of Nov. 25 in the capital region.

“On Nov. 25, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., members of the Chipman RCMP detachment responded to a report of a vehicle on fire with two people inside, off Midland Road in Chipman,” the RCMP said in a news release issued Nov. 27.

“When police arrived at the scene, they located the bodies of two individuals inside a white Chevrolet Equinox that had been consumed by fire.”

The RCMP said its major crime unit is treating the case as a double homicide.

Police have said little about the case since that time - until Tuesday.

The major crime unit released a photo Tuesday afternoon of “a vehicle of interest” detectives are seeking as part of the investigation.

“The vehicle, believed to be a red Toyota Corolla, was seen in the Chipman area in the late evening hours of Nov. 24, and the early morning hours of Nov. 25,” the latest RCMP release said.

Anyone who recognizes the car, who resides in the area and has camera footage from the night of Nov. 24 into the morning of Nov. 25, or who otherwise has relevant information to call the RCMP's major crime unit at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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A preliminary inquiry concluded Tuesday morning for a Moncton man accused of a 2019 double murder in Dieppe, with the case now set to move to a higher level of court where he will stand trial.