A Three Hills man, who is a former resident of Drumheller, appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Friday, September 8 and pleaded guilty to two breach charges.
Justin Lenfesty, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of breaching curfew conditions of a probation order, and possessing an intoxicant contrary to a release order, both stemming from a December 2022 incident.
The court heard how on December 14, 2022 at approximately 10:16 p.m., Drumheller RCMP observed a 2018 Ford F150 which crossed a median before coming to a stop and parking in the oncoming traffic lane in front of a residence in the 100 block of 2 Avenue West in Drumheller, where a male was seen leaving the residence and entering the passenger side of the vehicle.
A traffic stop was conducted and it was determined the passenger was Mr. Lenfesty, who acknowledged to RCMP he was out past his court ordered 10 p.m. curfew; an incidental search found 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, contrary to release conditions to abstain from and possession of intoxicants.
Crown prosecution sought a global fine of $1,500, noting mitigating factors of an early guilty plea.
A formal Gladue report was not submitted before the courts, however, defense noted Mr. Lenfesty has an Indigenous background, and acknowledged there is a family history of residential school attendance.
The Honourable Justice K.A. Crowshoe accepted the guilty pleas and imposed a $500 fine for each plea, totalling $1,000; the victim fine surcharge was waived, and he was given six months time to pay.
Justice Crowshoe expressed it is important for Mr. Lenfesty to learn about his Indigenous background and address his cultural identity.
Remaining charges were withdrawn.
