MOOSE JAW — A Lafleche man who allegedly broke into the home of a deceased person to steal weapons and then trafficked them has been granted bail.
Cecil Charles Everson appeared by video in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on July 17, where a show-cause hearing was held to determine whether to release him. His alleged offences occurred between April 4 and 23 in Lafleche, south of Gravelbourg.
Crown prosecutor Stephen Wishart told Judge Brian Hendrickson that Everson, 45, was already on two court orders from other provinces that prohibited him from owning or possessing weapons or guns.
Furthermore, he has 57 previous convictions, including 26 failures to appear or comply with court orders and eight offences for break-ins and robberies, the Crown continued. Also, he had one charge of possessing weapons and four offences for assault.
Wishart noted that the Crown was opposed to Everson’s release because he needed to be detained to ensure he would appear in court; his detention would protect the public, including his co-accused, who were also witnesses; and releasing him would undermine the public’s confidence in the administration of justice.
Wishart added that these were “all compelling reasons” to keep the Lafleche man in custody.
Legal Aid lawyer Zak Anderson said that at the time of these alleged offences, the house was empty because the homeowner had died and his family was monitoring it.
Meanwhile, Anderson said that even though Everson had a previous criminal history, there were also several periods in his life when he was not convicted of anything and had remained sober from drugs or alcohol. Moreover, he had been a “productive, contributing member of society” because he had been working.
Continuing, Anderson said the accused should be released from custody because his release plan included living with a female friend on her acreage near Lafleche and helping her there. Furthermore, he was willing to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, while he still had his job and could work.
In response, Wishart said Everson may have had gaps in his criminal record, but he still committed offences afterward. The Crown prosecutor also pointed out that Saskatchewan was the accused’s fourth province where he had demonstrated his criminal behaviour.
After listening to both sides, Judge Hendrickson acknowledged that Everson had gaps in his criminal record, including between 2021 and 2025. He also acknowledged the man’s 57 convictions — “My goodness, that’s a huge accumulation” — and his many failures to comply with court orders.
Reviewing the primary ground, or reason, for release, the judge said that while Everson’s background raised concerns, he also looked at the man’s release plan and where he would live. Therefore, the judge said the Crown had not proved that the accused’s detention was justified.
Looking at the secondary ground, Judge Hendrickson said this was the “most problematic,” since the safety of the witnesses was important. Furthermore, Everson’s criminal record was important since “what’s past is prologue” and there was a “substantial likelihood” that he might reoffend.
However, the judge said that Everson’s circumstances had changed because he was sober and had a release plan. Therefore, he said the Crown had not proven this reason.
Lastly, Judge Hendrickson said that the Crown’s case looked strong, while the “gravity of (Everson’s) offences” meant he could face jail if convicted. However, he was not convinced that releasing the man would undermine the public’s confidence in the justice system.
Hendrickson agreed to release Everson on several conditions, such as reporting to a probation officer, living with his female friend on her acreage, maintaining a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, having no contact with his co-accused or being near them and not possessing firearms or weapons.
The judge then adjourned Everson’s matters to Aug. 14 in Assiniboia.
