Man accused of building bombs hoping to resolve charges

By Delon Shurtz on August 20, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge man accused of building bombs in his residence last year, and who hoped to deal with his charges in drug treatment court, is now considering an offer from the Crown to resolve the matter.
Lethbridge lawyer Vincent Guinan told court Thursday his client, Shaun Hlavach, had not been accepted into the drug treatment court, and will consider the Crown’s resolution proposal before his next court hearing in a week.
Through the drug treatment court, offenders are held accountable through regular court appearances, random and regular drug screening, progressive sanctions and rewards that reinforce participation and engagement, treatment attendance, and ongoing therapeutic supports. If completed, offenders may receive an alternative sentence.
Hlavach is facing multiple charges, including drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of a prohibited weapon, knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an explosive substance, possession of stolen property and possession of identity documents.
Lethbridge police were looking for drugs when they searched a home in the 800 block of 16 Street South on Sept. 24 of last year. The explosive disposal unit was called in, however, after police noticed several suspicious packages. The explosives unit confirmed the items were improvised bombs.
Police reportedly found seven explosive devices, along with suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as more than $13,000 in cash, stolen property and ID documents.
Hlavach also faces drug-related charges in relation to a traffic stop earlier this year. Police stopped a vehicle in the 2200 block of 9 Avenue South on April 20 and arrested two men. During a search of the vehicle, police reportedly found 160 grams of methamphetamine, 132 grams of fentanyl, four grams of cocaine, various prescription pills, drug paraphernalia and about $4,300.
Dylan Ivan Sokol was charged with two counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000, and three counts of breaching an undertaking. Those matters, as well as unrelated charges, were also in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday, but adjourned for a week.

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