Bonnyville RCMP found more than they were looking for during a search of a stolen vehicle in Justin Casey Cardinal's possession.
On Aug. 19, 2018, officers were conducting patrols at local bars when they came across a black Jeep parked at the Cedar Barn. The driver, who was identified as Cardinal, was showing signs of impairment.
While conducting an impaired investigation, police learned the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Elk Point.
Cardinal was arrested for possession of stolen property. During a search of the Jeep, officers found two meth pipes, a scale, 1.5-grams of methamphetamine, small baggies, and a machete.
He was released on a $1,500 no-cash recognizance, which was in place on March 6, 2019 when St. Paul RCMP were called by a woman claiming she had lost her credit card, but that it had recently been used at a liquor store in the area.
Cardinal was contacted by police and arrested for fraud, however, the wallet and credit card weren't located.
While searching his personal items, RCMP found 3.14-grams of meth in his sock.
St. Paul RCMP spotted Cardinal standing on the sidewalk on Sept. 20, and knew he was wanted on warrants. The 38-year-old male was arrested.
A meth pipe and a 1.1-litre bottle of vodka were found in his possession.
During his appearance in Bonnyville court on Tuesday via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre, Cardinal pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching his conditions, two counts of possessing methamphetamine, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of stolen property, and failing to attend court.
Crown prosecutor Renato Lorenzo outlined the joint submission of 105 days in custody, which was a "small step up" from a previous sentence of 90 days.
Cardinal's defence lawyer Stephanie Oleksyn explained the accused's plans upon release.
According to Oleksyn, Cardinal will move to Frog Lake in order to assist his in-laws with caring for his wife and six children. His wife suffered a spinal injury following a serious collision, which Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams considered when deliberating.
Williams "reluctantly" agreed to the 105-day sentence, and Cardinal was released for time-served.
