ESTEVAN — An Estevan man has been handed a 12-month custodial sentence, with 24 months probation, for drug trafficking.
Jesse Robert Young, age 35, was sentenced May 27 in Court of King’s Bench in Estevan. He had pleaded guilty to one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking on April 6, averting what was expected to be a five-day trial.
In accepting the terms of a joint submission from Crown prosecutor Alexander Deacon and defence attorney Gulzaib Fida, Justice Graeme Mitchell recapped the facts of the case and noted that on Jan. 31, 2023, police discovered 260 grams of cocaine, along with paraphernalia linked to drug trafficking, in an Estevan residence occupied by Young, who was arrested and charged.
Mitchell noted that after an unsuccessful application to exclude the evidence of cocaine, Young pleaded guilty.
Young has been gainfully employed throughout his adult life, Mitchell said, and his employer is willing to have him return to work once he has completed the custodial portion of the sentence.
While Young has a criminal record, Mitchell noted it is more than 10 years old and does not have drug offences, so Mitchell said he placed “little” weight on Young's past infractions.
“I accept that until being charged with this offence, and afterwards, Mr. Young has been and remains a contributing member of society,” said Mitchell, adding the guilty plea indicates Young is “somewhat remorseful” about his criminal actions.
The Crown counsel has acknowledged the sentence is at the low end of the range, Mitchell said, but in all circumstances, it cannot be characterized as contrary to the public interest.
“It recognizes the gravity of the offence committed by Mr. Young and his moral blame,” said Mitchell.
During his submissions, Deacon noted the investigation started on Jan. 4, 2023, when a person, who has charges before the court, was stopped at the Carievale port of entry. That person had picked up a parcel shipped to the U.S., and the Canada Border Services Agency officer discovered firearm paraphernalia. Details were forwarded to the RCMP, and Deacon noted the residence that the man had used for his firearm’s registration was Young’s.
Deacon also noted there were issues with the Crown’s case.
Fida described Young as a “contributing” member of society who helps in his community and with his family and friends.
The 24 months of probation carries several standard conditions. Young will be prohibited from possessing a firearm for 10 years.
Mitchell commended Deacon and Fida for their professionalism in arriving at the joint submission.
