Stephen Noel Hurst took unique steps to conduct a series of "sophisticated frauds," and he is paying the price as a result.
On Tuesday, Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams sentenced Hurst to pay nearly $4,000 in fines, provide a sample of his DNA, serve 22 days in jail, and a one-year driving prohibition.
Hurst pleaded guilty to refusing to provide a sample to police, possession of stolen property under $5,000, fraud under $5,000, fraud over $5,000, use of forged documents, and theft over $5,000.
All of the offences took place over the span of eight months, with the first incident occurring Feb. 16.
A rural resident notified police his firearm and scope had been stolen from his home sometime between Feb. 3 and 16. According to the complainant, the family had been away and had asked a friend to keep an eye on their place. The friend had brought Hurst over to the house at one point, and it was believed Hurst had returned to the residence alone and stolen the weapon.
Hurst later tried to sell the gun online.
A few days later, on Feb, 20, Bonnyville RCMP conducted a traffic stop at 1 a.m. after spotting a vehicle with a snow-covered license plate. The driver, which was Hurst, admitted to consuming marijuana earlier that night. A field sobriety test conducted by the officer confirmed Hurst was impaired, but when asked to provide a sample, Hurst refused.
On March 7, police once again had a run-in with Hurst after someone attended the detachment to inform police several of their cheques had been stolen and used. An investigation revealed they had been cashed by Hurst and his co-accused, Krystal June Wojcik.
In total, between March 1 and 6, it's believed the pair defrauded nearly $5,000.
Hurst later stole $750 from a former friend, after reaching out to her and asking if she could cash a cheque for him. Police received the complaint on May 31, after the woman had complied with Hurst's request only to discover the cheque had bounced. When the friend tried to contact Hurst about the issue, she learned he had blocked her.
Hurst took his fraudulent ways to a local business, and on Sept. 27, Bonnyville Bolt Supply contacted RCMP about the theft of items, such as tools, worth roughly $5,000.
The business informed police that Hurst had created a purchase order from another local business. When Bonnyville Bolt Supply contacted the company about the work order, they were informed there wasn't one issued for those items.
Police reviewed video surveillance that showed Hurst and Wojcik using the purchase order to obtain tools.
Crown prosecutor Renato Di Lorenzo said Hurst was developing a habit "of somewhat sophisticated frauds."
He used the fake purchase order and Hurst manipulating his friend as prime examples.
Williams agreed with the joint submission, although she felt it was on the lighter side in terms of sentencing.
The 37-year-old wants to "put this stuff behind" him and "move forward."
Wojcik, Hurst's co-accused, is facing charges of theft over $5,000, two counts of fraud over $5,000, and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking. She will appear in court on Nov. 5.
As of his sentencing, Hurst had served his 22 days in jail and was released.
