ESTEVAN — An Oxbow woman learned her sentencing fate March 27 in Estevan Provincial Court.
Brittany Elaine Samson, age 30, received a conditional sentence order (CSO) of two years less a day, as per the terms of a joint submission. She previously pleaded guilty to one count each of fraud over $5,000, breaking and entering a place and committing an indictable offence, and unlawfully being in a dwelling.
Three other charges were stayed, including arson for a fraudulent purpose, public mischief by falsely reporting an offence and theft under $5,000.
According to Crown prosector Suzan Wurtz, the most serious incident was the fraud over $5,000 charge, which stemmed from April 20, 2025. Wurtz reported Samson called the Carnduff RCMP to report her 2024 Dodge Durango was stolen. A couple of hours later, Wurtz said the Estevan RCMP was called to a report of an SUV on fire, which was connected back to the stolen Durango.
“During the course of the investigation, Ms. Samson provided a sworn statement," said Wurtz. "She admitted to having the vehicle taken by a known party to her."
There is a video of the individual entering the vehicle, Wurtz said, and that matter is still before the court.
Wurtz suggested the value of the fire investigation, towing and storage for SGI was more than $5,400, but the Crown corporation was not seeking restitution. The value of the vehicle was not disclosed in court.
The break and enter and commit incident, which occurred earlier, resulted in a $500 restitution order. Wurtz noted the victim expressed significant frustration that “the same group of people committed property crimes on the farmers and businesses of the area, and that was causing significant unrest.”
She later noted the prevalence of property crime in the area.
In the incident for unlawfully being in a dwelling, the victim said more than $2,000 was taken but did not want restitution.
Wurtz noted Samson has a criminal record and the charges are related, but more recently the offences have been more minor.
Samson’s attorney Aleida Oberholzer said addictions and poverty are at the heart of Samson's problems.
“Brittany has always been on the poverty line and struggling," said Oberholzer. "These offence aren’t … sophisticated. They are a product of addiction-driven, chaotic, poverty-driven lifestyle with someone that comes from childhood trauma and instability.”
Oberholzer pointed out Samson has done well when in a good, structured environment, and Oberholzer believes Samson will abide by the terms of the CSO.
When given the chance to speak, Samson said she is sorry for her actions.
In accepting the joint recommendation, Judge Mitch Miller said he views this as an appropriate sentence, and the risk for reoffending can be managed in the community, but he warned Samson this is a longer CSO and it won’t be easy. If she breaches the condition, she risks being sent to custody.
He added the property thefts are an issue in rural Saskatchewan, and any property owner who is the victim feels unsafe and violated. But the judge also understands where she comes from.
“It doesn’t condone your behaviour, but it helps me understand, and certainly when she told me it’s addictions and poverty-driven, it puts it in real context for the court," the judge said.
Among the requirements of the CSO, Samson must be in her residence 24 hours a day, unless she has the prior written permission of her supervisor or a designate of the court. For the final 12 months, she must abide by a curfew from 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
