An area man’s recent crime spree, which included involvement in a property-theft ring, has earned him a lengthy prison stay.
In Westlock Provincial Court Sept. 23 Dustin Shwaga, 24, of Westlock pleaded guilty to nine Criminal Code offences — five counts of possession of stolen property, two counts of failing to comply with the conditions of a recognizance, and single counts of theft under $5,000, and uttering threats.
He received concurrent 120-day sentences for possession of the stolen pickup trucks, and concurrent 30-day sentences on the remaining counts and one year of probation after his release.
Judge Brian Fraser commented that the sentence, which was presently jointly by the Crown and Shawaga’s counsel, was generous from the Crown’s perspective, but decided to accept it.
As part of his probation Shwaga must provide a DNA sample, keep the peace and be of good behaviour, refrain from contacting six individuals with involvement in the theft ring, and must actively seek a job and/or further education.
“I don’t want you to sit around thinking about the next crime you’ll commit with your Westlock buddies,” Judge Fraser added.
Seven additional charges, including four counts of possession of stolen property, were withdrawn by the Crown.
Crown prosecutor Scott Pittman told court that on July 3 Westlock RCMP were performing surveillance on a Westlock County residence suspected of storing stolen property.
Police observed a pickup truck leaving the property and performed a traffic stop. Shwaga, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in possession of stolen property including a boat motor.
Police then obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered more stolen items including two pickup trucks, two licence plates and a boat trailer.
RCMP was also able to connect Shwaga to a June 24 gas and dash at the Fawcett Husky.
In a separate incident on July 16 RCMP were called to the Westlock Sobeys were they received a shoplifting complaint.
Shwaga had walked out of the store without paying for food items. He was confronted by staff and the storeowner, who he threatened to kill after he was released from jail, said Pittman.
Finally, Pittman told court that on July 29 Westlock RCMP were conducting a curfew check on another individual where they found Shwaga, who was in breach of his recognizance by having contact with the individual.
