ESTEVAN — A couple of people who were in custody for infractions earlier in July were released from custody during the July 21 sitting of Estevan Provincial Court.
Devon William Martell was to have a show-cause hearing to determine if he would receive bail, but the hearing was called off after the Crown and Martell's attorney reached an agreement on his release, with conditions.
He is scheduled to be back in court Aug. 25 and 26 for a preliminary hearing, stemming from charges laid in August 2024.
Background: According to information from the Estevan Police Service, Martell was arrested July 6 for possession of methamphetamine under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and violating the terms of his release conditions under the Criminal Code.
Martell was one of four people arrested in Estevan in August 2024 after search warrants were executed at five locations in Estevan. Each was charged with possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine); possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (methamphetamine); trafficking a schedule 1 substance (cocaine); trafficking a schedule 1 substance (methamphetamine); and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The preliminary hearing will be Aug. 25-26 for Martell and co-accused Jessica Louise Rutter-McKeen.
Another person, Brennan Stephen McKeen, pleaded guilty to charges last month and is to be sentenced in September, while charges against a fourth person have been stayed.
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Also on July 21, Brittany Elaine Samson was released with conditions on her matters. She is to be back in court Sept. 8.
According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, her latest arrest came in mid-July. On July 10 at approximately 2:35 p.m., the Estevan RCMP received a report of a break-in at a residence in Benson.
An investigation determined an individual broke into the residence and stole a sum of cash. Officers did not immediately locate a suspect. Three days later, the RCMP says officers arrested Samson in connection with the incident.
She is charged with one count of theft under $5,000, and another for break and enter. Both are under the Criminal Code.
Background: Samson was initially charged earlier this year with one count each of arson for a fraudulent purpose, fraud over $5,000 and public mischief.
According to a news release for the initial charges, the Carnduff RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle April 20. Later that day, the detachment was notified of a vehicle on fire northeast of Outram. An investigation determined it was the same vehicle.
The RCMP says further investigation determined the vehicle had not been stolen and the initial report to police was false. According to the RCMP, the vehicle fire was determined to be suspicious.
The Carnduff RCMP arrested Samson on April 25.
SaskToday will continue to monitor these stories.
