MEDICINE HAT, AB — Crime continues to make headlines across Alberta.
From how to best combat crime, to the aftermath in courts, crime stories tend to be some of the most read and shared on CHAT News Today.
Here are some of the stories that made headlines in 2019.
Province gets tough on rural crime
The newly-elected United Conservative Party has placed an emphasis on combating rural crime since being elected this year. In additional to several town hall events, Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer made several announcements to help address the issue, including givign additional powers to peace officers, and pledging to hire additional RCMP officers.
Hoefman to go to trial
Robert Hoefman, charged with first degree murder in connection with the 2017 death of James Satre, will be going to trial in 2020. Hoefman is also facing one charge of extortion, which police allege is connected with Satre’s death.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/07/12/trial-date-set-for-man-charged-with-murder-and-extortion/
Beaulieu pleads guilty
Leonard Beaulieu, who was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jordan Pede in 2016, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, receiving an eight year prison sentence.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/12/11/beaulieu-receives-eight-years-in-prison-for-manslaughter/
Vogelsang sentenced
Stephen Vogelsang, a former broadcaster charged with robbing multiple banks in Medicine Hat and Saskatchewan, pleaded guilty to all charges. In Saskatchewan, he received a five year sentence, while in Medicine Hat, he received an 18-month sentence.
Record methamphetamine seizure
In July, police seized what is believed to be the largest amount of methamphetamine in Medicine Hat’s history. A total of 1.13 kilograms was seized, and four people from Medicine Hat are facing multiple charges.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/07/17/record-methamphetamine-bust-in-medicine-hat/
Former Mountie sentenced
Elliot Teed, a former RCMP officer with the Bow Island detachment, was sentenced to two months in jail for sexual assault and two months for breach of trust following a check stop in 2015. Teed was found guilty in a judge only trial after being charged in 2017.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/01/22/former-bow-island-rcmp-officer-sentenced-to-two-months-in-jail/
Medicine Hat man charged with multiple sexual offences
Cody Herrell, 26, was charged with sexual assault and multiple child pornography related charges in October. Herrell is also facing a charge of bestiality following the investigation. His case returns to court on January 21, 2020.
Link (warning: details are disturbing): https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/10/01/medicine-hat-man-charged-with-multiple-sexual-offences/
Former CCDA executive facing child pornography charges
Wayne Smith, the former executive director of the City Centre Development Agency, was charged with child pornography offences in June. The alleged incidents occurred between 2018 and 2019, more than two years after he was let go from the CCDA. Smith’s case is back in court on January 23, 2020.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/11/22/former-ccda-director-facing-child-porn-charges/
Bentley trial
Noah Bentley was found criminally responsible for the death of Brenda Woloski in 2016. Bentley is scheduled to be sentenced in February.
Link: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2019/10/25/man-found-guilty-of-second-degree-murder-of-city-woman/
