Probation ordered in dial-a-dope conviction

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on March 18, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A former Lethbridge woman caught in a police dial-a-dope bust has been handed a suspended sentence and placed on probation for 18 months.
Shelley Lynn Bevans, who now lives in Vancouver, B.C., pleaded guilty Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court to two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime, stemming from a police drug trafficking investigation in the summer of 2019.
On July 18 an undercover police officer, who had information from a confidential source about a dial-a-dope operation in Lethbridge, called a cellphone number known to be used by drug traffickers, and through text messages and conversations arranged to buy 0.8 grams of methamphetamine for $80. Bevans met the officer and had him drive her to a residence where she obtained the drugs.
Several days later the officer called the cellphone again, and arranged to buy 3.4 grams of meth for $200. Bevans conducted that transaction, as well.
Bevans, 53, was later charged with two counts of drug trafficking, but during her sentencing hearing Thursday, the Crown amended the charges to possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000, to reflect the money she was paid for the drugs.
Lethbridge lawyer Tracy Hembroff explained her client was addicted to drugs and was particularly vulnerable at the time.
“In our review of the file, there could have been some elements of duress here,” Hembroff suggested.
She said Bevans moved to Vancouver to be with her adult son, who is also a drug addict, and while she is currently receiving treatment for her own drug addiction, her years of drug abuse have taken their toll on her health, which requires ongoing medical attention.
“She has struggled immensely with drug addiction to the extent that it has probably affected every aspect off her life, both mental, respecting acuity and memory issues, and physical.”
Judge Erin Olsen agreed with the joint submission for a suspended sentence, and told Bevans that sentences for possession of the proceeds of crime can range from fines to jail and probation.
“I think your lawyer and the prosecutor have accomplished just the right attention to rehabilitation and to mercy, given the situation that you’re in and the priority that needs to be given to your medical care at this point in your life,” Olsen said.
During her period of probation, Bevans must reside at a specific address in Vancouver, and for the first nine months she is subject to a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. She is not to possess any weapons, and she must be assessed and take counselling as directed by her probation officer.

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