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Sylvan Lake RCMP execute search warrant

Stolen vehicles, guns, weapons and drugs seized during search warrant
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Sylvan Lake RCMP seized a number of firearms and drugs from a residence in Ryder's Ridge on Aug. 24.

On August 24, 2016 members of the Sylvan Lake RCMP located two stolen trucks (previously stolen from Lacombe and Westlock) at a residence on Richfield Crescent in Sylvan Lake. Four people were arrested at this residence including the two residents of the house.

A search warrant was later granted by a Justice of the Peace allowing members into the residence to search for illegal items. Results of the search netted police with a significant quantity of illegal firearms, drugs and property. All firearms are believed to be stolen and to have had serial numbers removed. Some have been altered and sawed off.

Ten firearms including shotguns, sawed off shot guns, hand guns and an “Uzi” style assault rifle, along with brass knuckles, ammunition and prohibited ammunition magazines were all located inside the residence in Richfield Crescent. During the search, Sylvan Lake RCMP also seized a “large rock of crystal meth”, methamphetamine, psylocibin ‘magic’ mushrooms, morphine and a various other prescription pills.

In addition to the drugs and fire arms, RCMP also found a stolen license plate, stolen credit cards, stolen identification cards and stolen mail.

Corporal James Allemekinder of the Sylvan Lake RCMP stated in a press release,”This investigation is complex and further charges are anticipated.”

Jason Sagal, 41 years old of Sylvan Lake was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants and charged with a number of offences including eight counts of unlawful storage of firearms, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of weapons for a dangerous purpose, two counts of unauthorized possession of prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5’000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and five counts of failure to comply with recognizance.

Jason William Ionson , 35 years old of Blackfalds was arrested on numerous outstanding warrants and charged with eight counts of unlawful storage of a firearm, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, seven counts of possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of $5’000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, 35 counts of possession of a fire arm while prohibited and eight counts of failing to comply with recognizance.

26 year old Samantha Casimer Johnstone of Red Deer has been charged with eight counts of unlawful storage of firearm, three counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, seven counts of possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Nicole Rae Armstrong of Sylvan Lake has also been charged following the search of the property resulting in one charge of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and five counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Sagal, Ionson and Johnstone were set to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on the morning of Monday August 29, with Armstrong having been released by a Justice of the Peace with a promise to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on September 9, 2016.

Following the initial visit to Richfield Crescent in Sylvan Lake, in which the first four individuals were arrested, RCMP were called to the same residence less than 24 hours later following a complaint of a male outside with a gun.

“Police located and arrested a man and recovered the involved firearm,” said Allemekinders. “A female was also located and arrested during the course of that investigation.”

21 year old Jesse Kaelin Strongeagle-Geddes of Red Deer is facing the following charges: careless use of a firearm, failure to comply with probation order, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.

Also charged in this incident was Kristie Lynn Stauth of Red Deer. Stauth faces one count of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of counterfeit currency, four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with undertaking and possession of marijuana.

Both Stauth and Strongeagle-Geddes were brought before a Justice of the Peace and released from custody on cash bails to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on September 7, 2016.

“Sylvan Lake RCMP are committed to identifying and arresting people in this detachment area who are involved in these types of crimes,” said Corporal Allemekinders.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have information regarding this occurrence to contact the Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-858-7200. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

editor@sylvanlakenews.com