NORTH BATTLEFORD – “Get it moving, get it out of docket,” Judge Lorna Dyck told both the Crown and defence when Robin Moccassin’s matter was brought before North Battleford Provincial Court for the sixteenth time Tuesday.
Judge Dyck pointed out the Jordan issues where cases can be thrown out of court due to unreasonable delays. In 2016 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled cases must be heard within a certain time frame. Jordan’s Decision stipulates that once charges are laid, provincial cases must be heard within 18 months and superior court cases within 30 months.
Moccassin, now 34, was charged more than 16 months ago in March 2021 with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a restricted weapon, possession of weapon/ammunition in a vehicle, possession of a restricted weapon without a license, tampering with a serial number on a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
According to Battlefords RCMP, they conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Territorial Drive and Highway 4 on March 19, 2021, where they say they located a significant amount of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and illegal cannabis in the vehicle. They also found a loaded semi-automatic rifle.
Robin Moccasin was released on bail but arrested again on April 29, 2021. Robin Moccasin - along with Kelly Moccasin and Leroy Mocassin - were arrested by Lloydminster, Alta., RCMP after police seized $50,000 in methamphetamine and cocaine during a traffic stop on a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot in the 5400 block of 44 Street in Lloydminster.
Robin Moccasin was then additionally charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, obstruction of a peace officer, resisting arrest, identity fraud, and three counts of failing to comply with release order condition. Those charges, however, were all withdrawn in Lloydminster, Alta., court in June. The charges against her co-accused, Kelly Moccasin, were also withdrawn. Another co-accused, Leroy Moccasin, appears in Lloydminster, Alta., court on Sept. 14, when he is expected to enter an election and plea.
Moccasin is back in court Aug. 31 to enter an election. No bench warrant was issued for her arrest.
ljoy@glaciermedia.ca
Story updated saying Moccasin is back in court Aug. 31 and no bench warrant for her arrest was issued.
