A 54-year-old Métis father of six has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking in The Pas, Manitoba. Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta acknowledged his “rehabilitative progress” through a sobriety program, noting his sincere remorse and request for forgiveness for the harm caused to his community.
The man began his recovery in 2023 while on bail, participating in the Adult and Teen Challenge Program (ATCP), a residential Christian recovery initiative. Arrested with over 37 grams of methamphetamine and 15 grams of cocaine, he has maintained sobriety for more than two years and is considered a model participant, according to support letters.
Despite the defense’s request for a conditional sentence to continue his recovery with ATCP, Judge Hewitt-Michta emphasized the need to denounce the drug trade’s societal harm. The man was arrested after fleeing an RCMP officer for a traffic infraction, leading to the discovery of drugs, cash, and paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed he was supplying methamphetamine to users and street-level dealers in the community.
Given his prior drug offense in 2020, where he received a four-year sentence, the judge noted that repeat offenders typically face longer sentences. However, she considered his meaningful rehabilitative efforts, resulting in a slightly reduced sentence. The man will serve just under three and a half years in prison after accounting for pre-sentence custody credit.
Source: Swifteradio.com
