One of the accused in a string of ATM thefts across the Lakeland in late 2018 has pleaded guilty and was granted consent release.
Jordan Evan Steinhauer, 35 of Saddle Lake, was released from the Edmonton Remand Centre for treatment at the Four Directions Harmony House after pleading guilty to possession of property obtained by crime, two counts of break and enter to commit an offence, and disguised with intent.
During his appearance in the Bonnyville Provincial Courthouse on Tuesday, May 21, Steinhauer agreed with a statement of facts described by Crown prosecutor Tyler McLean.
Smoky Lake RCMP were called after a vehicle was stolen from their area on Dec. 7, 2018.
Two days later, it was discovered west of Saddle Lake, completely burned.
McLean said responding officers found the car still smouldering.
On Dec. 8, Bonnyville RCMP responded to an alarm call at the La Corey convenience store.
When officers arrived, they found the doors had been smashed in. Video footage revealed a vehicle that matched the description of the one stolen on Dec. 7 out of Smoky Lake, ripping the doors off of the store before four suspects entered and dragged out the ATM.
In the video, one of the suspects, later identified as MacKenzie Giant, was carrying a shotgun.
The following day, Goodfish RCMP were called after a break and enter at a store within their jurisdiction.
The incident unfolded similarly to the break-in in La Corey the night before - the doors were ripped off of the storefront, three suspects entered, and an ATM was taken.
A multi-jurisdictional investigation involving the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EADRCRU) led police to a Smoky Lake residence where they conducted a search warrant on Dec. 10, 2018 and recovered an ATM that had been stolen from the Carl Bull Store in Goodfish Lake.
Officers also found clothing consistent with the suspects in the CCTV footage from both thefts, a vehicle stolen from Lloydminster, a loaded sawed-off shotgun, and keys relating to the ATM.
After his arrest, Giant led RCMP to the second ATM that had been stolen from La Corey, and described the incidents in detail.
Steinhauer was also arrested Dec. 10, however, co-accused Tyson Hunter, 46, and Byron Hunter, 45, weren't taken into custody until Dec. 21, following a pursuit involving the EADRCRU.
An investigation had led the EADRCRU to believe the remaining suspects were in Edmonton, and with the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service, were able to make an arrest.
During his interview with police, Tyson Hunter gave Steinhauer's name, along with Byron Hunter and Giant, as being involved in the ATM thefts.
After being told multiple statements, video surveillance, and other evidence have linked him to the break-ins, Steinhauer confessed his involvement on Jan. 4, 2019.
He told police he was intoxicated by cocaine and alcohol at the time of the offence.
Steinhauer was released on a $1,500 no cash recognizance with conditions that he be handed over on May 22 to a member of the Four Directions Harmony House staff, where he will be staying for treatment. He must keep the peace, be of good behaviour, attend court, reside at the Edmonton treatment centre, abide by the centre's rules and curfews, attend any treatment or counselling recommended by Harmony House, have no contact with the co-accused, abstain from the consumption or possession of any intoxicating substances, and not possess any weapons. If he leaves Harmony House for any reason, Steinhauer must turn himself into the nearest police station.
Steinhauer adjourned his sentencing for the completion of a Gladue Report. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 25.
