WESTLOCK – A Westlock man caught multiple times with meth, broke into a downtown business and stole a holiday trailer from a rural residence as part of a string of crimes over the last two years, received a two-month jail sentence, heavy fine and one year of probation.
Appearing in Westlock Court April 5 via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre, Samuel Lebeau, 26, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a controlled substance (two reduced from trafficking), three charges of failing to comply with release conditions, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property and break and enter commit theft.
Three additional counts of mischief damage under $5,000, as well as single charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, shopbreaking with intent, disguised with intent, possession of stolen property over $5,000, traffic weapons/firearms, driving with no insurance and failing to comply with release conditions were withdrawn.
Judge Rosanna Saccomani agreed to a joint-sentence submission of 60 days in jail, $2,750 in fines, 12 months of probation and a $315 restitution order — Lebeau was released that day and given credit for 62 “enhanced days”, while 12 other days he had spent behind bars were applied to $750 of the fines.
“Your crimes have had an impact on people living in your community and they have a right to peace, just like you do,” said Judge Saccomani. “I really hope that this is it. I would be very disappointed to see you back in custody facing any new charges.”
In addition, Judge Saccomani, who declined imposing a victim-fine surcharge, ordered him to write an apology to the victims to “put a human face on the offender” who caused their loss. Crown prosecutor Anthony Estephan said Lebeau has a “short record” that included a January 2020 conviction for possession of stolen property over $5,000 where he received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation.
“It helps people understand that you’re a human being, this is what your upbringing was, this is how you go into drugs and now you’re apologizing and you’re never going to bother them again and you’re going to learn from this experience,” said Judge Saccomani.
Defence lawyer Caitlin Bullerkist said Lebeau, who admitted to addictions issues, hasn’t worked since 2019 and was “basically couch surfing” at the time of the crimes.
“I feel a lot better. I’m sober now and feeling great,” said Lebeau, who vowed to turn his life around.
Estephan told court that on Feb. 1, 2021, police responded to a break-in at Needful Things in downtown Westlock. The front glass window had been smashed and a surveillance video revealed two men “filling a white pale” of items before exiting the rear. Estephan said that co-accused Travis Jean told police Lebeau had been involved and he was arrested the following day wearing the same hoodie, sneakers and mismatched gloves seen on the person in the video. Also during the arrest a “bag of methamphetamine” was found in his possession.
Federal Crown prosecutor Erwin Schulz then told court that on May 30, 2021, RCMP spotted Lebeau, who they knew had a warrant for his arrest. During the stop they searched his backpack and found 6.92 grams of methamphetamine and 50 millilitres of GHB.
Estephan then told court that around 9:30 a.m., Oct. 17, 2021, RCMP were called to a rural residence where Lebeau had broken into a shop and stolen a holiday trailer — video surveillance from around 3:26 a.m. the previous day confirmed the crime. During patrols, RCMP eventually tracked down the stolen truck and trailer and arrested Lebeau and a woman.
On Dec. 24, 2021, RCMP were on patrol and came across a vehicle that was stuck in the snow. As the officer got closer, the vehicle freed itself and continued east on 107th Street in the wrong lane before righting itself. RCMP ran the plate and found it wasn’t registered to any vehicle — Lebeau said he had just bought it but didn’t have insurance or registration. During a pat-down search police found a baton and drug paraphernalia with some meth residue on it.
Finally, on Feb. 17, 2022, police spotted Lebeau riding a bike south on 100th Avenue near 108th Street. He was wanted on a number of warrants, but told police “he had never been in trouble.” During a search they found a black butterfly knife, which was in breach of a release order that banned him from possessing weapons.
