As a result of Project Norse, a number of needles and vape cigarettes were seized, containing various amounts of cocaine and cannabis. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Drugs in the Community

Woman pressured by half-sibling to sell cocaine on the streets: court

Mar 17, 2021 | 11:55 AM

The latest person sentenced in connection to the Project Norse drug investigation, has received a two and a half year suspended sentence and must complete 200 hours of community service.

Miranda Parenteau, 24, was accompanied Tuesday at Prince Albert Provincial Court by her parents. She had previously entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The seven month long investigation, beginning in the summer of 2019, was a combined effort between police in Prince Albert and Saskatoon, as well as the RCMP, and was focused on the activities of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, specifically the group known as the Freewheelers.

Police determined three full patch members of the motorcycle gang were involved in the illegal trafficking of drugs in Prince Albert and the surrounding area.

“I can’t change the past but I can just learn from it,”_{– Miranda Parenteau}

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Over the course of their investigation, police seized guns, drugs, vehicles, and over $300,000 worth of cash. A total of 33 cannabis plants were found, along with over 9,000 grams of cannabis bud, 2,141 individually packaged cannabis byproducts, and nearly 600 grams of cocaine which amounted to an estimated 1,200 personal uses.

At a press conference in mid-January, 2020, Prince Albert Police Inspector Craig Mushka unveiled the results of Project Norse. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

According to the statement of facts read in court Tuesday by Federal Crown Prosecutor Crystal Warde, Parenteau was by no means a ring leader in the drug trafficking operation, but did play an integral part by assisting with a number of drug transactions, as well as renting a room for a quantity of cocaine to be processed.

“Four ounces of cocaine were found in a safe after a search warrant was executed on Jan. 9 (2020). An intercepted call as part of this investigation showed that Miss Parenteau was the only who knew how to open the safe,” Warde said.

Two of the ring leaders were sentenced last month. Brody Markowski (Parenteau’s half brother) received a three-and-a-half year sentence, while Alexander Fietz received a three year sentence for his part. Defence lawyer Christopher Koban explained in court Parenteau’s motive (then 22) for selling cocaine was based on pressure from her half-brother as a means to pay for her addictions habit, as well pay off the debts she owed him.

A photo of some cocaine seized by police. (Prince Albert Police Service)

Parenteau had no criminal record prior to this case, and Koban explained since being charged, she has taken a number of steps to turn her life around including staying sober, gaining employment and is actively attending counselling to deal with the number of personal factors in her life that caused her to turn to drugs. When given the opportunity to speak in court, Parenteau fought back tears.

“I know what I did was wrong. I can’t change the past but I can just learn from it and be better for me and my family,” she said.

Prior to agreeing to the joint submission presented to him by the lawyers, Judge Harradence noted Parenteau’s actions represented very dangerous activity.

“It was more than just simply being naive. I think you got caught up in it and you had an addiction and it was an addiction to illegal drugs but it was also an addiction to the money and what was going on,” he said.

Harradence then explained sentencing is a very individualized process and must include elements of denunciation and deterrence, while also taking into account an individual’s upbringing. He credited Parenteau for the steps she has taken to better herself.

“I think you are an extenuating good candidate for rehabilitation,” he said.

As part of her probationary sentence, Parenteau must abide by a curfew for the first 18 months, and is prohibited from being in a bar or retail store that sells cannabis. She also cannot own or possess a gun or ammunition for a period of 10 years.

At the conclusion of the investigation, 11 people were charged, and so far seven have been dealt with. Danny Glover, the third alleged ring leader, will have his matters spoken to in September, along with Tyler Korte. Warren Kreger and Josh Herron have scheduled court dates in April.

Curtis Brown, 51, was sentenced last October after entering guilty pleas related to the possession and distribution of cannabis in excess of 30 grams. He received a six month conditional order, to be followed by an 18 month probationary period. Destiny Gunville, 20, was sentenced earlier this month, and received an 18 month suspended sentence.

The Crown stayed the charges for both Rhonda Brown and Kaitlyn Schinold, based on the willingness of others to enter guilty pleas.

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell