Crown stays charges against Coutts protestor

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on July 13, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Two among several people arrested in relation to the protest at the Coutts border in January and February appeared in Lethbridge provincial court Tuesday.
Provincial Crown Prosecutor M. Dalidowicz stated Tuesday that the Crown directs a stay of proceedings as it relates to Luke Berk, who was charged with mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Dalidowicz also spoke about the Johnson Chichow Law matter, which includes charges of mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and asked for a week’s adjournment.
“Your honour, I can tell you that there is some discussion still ongoing as it relates to a forfeiture,” said Dalidowicz.
He asked the matter to be adjourned to July 19, for the Crown to take a substantive step.
The matters for several co-accused, Justin Martin, Evan Colenut, Ursulla Allred and Jaclyne Allred are expected to enter pleas when their matters return to court in September, while Easton Oler returns to court July 22.
Two others, Joanne Person and Janx Zaremba, are also charged. Person’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 25, while Zaremba has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial Dec. 6.
RCMP arrested the individuals Feb. 14 during the blockade of trucks and vehicles at the Coutts border, after becoming aware of a cache of firearms and ammunition. The protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other pandemic restrictions began late January and lasted until Feb. 15 when protestors began dispersing in response to the discovery of weapons.
Person, who is self-represented, also faces an unrelated charge of dangerous driving, stemming from an incident Feb. 1 when a pickup truck drove through the blockade and headed toward oncoming traffic before becoming involved in a head-on collision.
Four additional accused, Christopher Lysak, Anthony Olienick, Jerry Morin and Chris Carbert, face additional charges of conspiracy to commit murder and will stand trial on June 12 – 30, 2023. Lysak, Olienick and Carbert have been denied bail, while a decision on Morin’s bail application is scheduled for July 18.
-with files from Delon Shurtz

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