A Trochu man has been sentenced to five months for break and enter and trafficking in stolen property.
Simon May, 33, appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, March 17. He pleaded guilty to a number of charges.
The court heard that on December 28, 2022, a break-and-enter occurred on a rural property near Huxley. Three Hills RCMP were also investigating the theft of a truck.
During the break-in the suspects took a Honda three-wheeler, assorted tools and a trail camera which had been placed inside the building by the owners.
Later, police received a call for services for a vehicle trespassing on an oilfield lease near Three Hills. The male suspect was confronted by workers and left. The description of the vehicle matched one that was previously reported stolen.
Workers then noticed another vehicle on the lease and a male riding a three-wheeler. It was later abandoned on the road and recovered by police.
Police also located the stolen truck abandoned at a rural property near Three Hills. Upon searching the vehicle, police located the trail cam.
The memory card was still intact and the video files showed the two male suspects committing the break-in.
May and Jesse Bulechowsky were arrested and charged.
The court also heard how, in August 2022, a trailer was stolen from a Golden Hills School Division compound. Observers in Three Hills witnessed a transaction in a parking lot and two vehicles drive away. When the vehicle with the trailer was stopped, the driver indicated he has just bought the trailer. May’s name was signed as a witness to the sale. He admitted to having possessed the trailer and was party to the sale to a third person. He also pleaded guilty to a number of breaches.
The court heard Mr. May has been dealing with a 10-year methamphetamine addiction, but has since completed a program while incarcerated.
Crown and defence agreed on a joint submission of five months, less pretrial custody. He was given credit for 150 days in jail prior to resolving the charges.