One of the accused linked to recent armed robberies in Ponoka and Bashaw was sentenced to two years in a federal penitentiary in Ponoka provincial court, Friday, May 1.
Cody Morrow, 43, pled guilty to theft over $5,000, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, fraudulent use of a credit card, breach of probation, mischief by damaging property, obstruction of a peace officer and failing to comply.
The weapons charges against him were dropped.
On April 19, 2015, Ponoka RCMP responded to the complaint of an armed robbery at the restaurant of the Riverside Motor Inn.
The robbers used a sawed off shotgun and bear spray to obtain cash from the VLT.
On April 21, Bashaw RCMP responded to an armed robbery of the Bashaw Foods Liquor Town.
On April 24, Ponoka RCMP spotted the white pickup truck matching the description of truck present at both robberies parked in the McDonalds parking lot. Morrow was at the scene when RCMP approached the truck but was not arrested at that time.
Another individual he was with at the time was arrested for possession of stolen property; the white truck had been taken from Blackfalds on April 16.
Later in the day of April 24, RCMP spoke with a complainant who said their stolen credit card had been used at a gas station in Lacombe. The surveillance footage showed Morrow attempting to use the card multiple times. At this time he was in possession of a different truck, which he had taken from the Calnash Ag Event Centre grounds.
On April 25, RCMP arrived at a casino in Red Deer, where Morrow was said to be spotted. However he was actually located hiding in the ceiling of a Max Convenience Store in Red Deer. It took several officers climbing into the ceiling to fetch him.
Judge B. Rosborough is endorsing Morrow’s request to receive drug rehabilitation in a western province.
Man facing 25 criminal counts denied bail
Bail was denied for Daniel Archambault, a man facing 25 counts, in Ponoka provincial court on Friday, May 1.
Charges against Archambault include assault, possession of prohibited substances, possession of weapons with the purpose of committing an offence and uttering threats of various degrees.
“It is my view prosecution has shown just cause why he should be detained. His bail is denied,” said judge Rosborough.
Crown Prosecutor T. Wilson applied to have bail denied because of many concerns the Crown harboured regarding Archambault.
Wilson’s concerns include the fact Archambault had outstanding warrants in his name when he was arrested by Ponoka RCMP in early January of this year, he was uncooperative with police and attempted to flee during the arrest and he has 29 previous adult convictions.
“His trustworthiness in terms of assurances . . . is questionable,” said Wilson.
Crown added Archambault has the right to fair bail but that must be balanced against the safety of the woman involved — who’s name isn’t being released on an order from the Crown Prosecutor — and the public.
Archambault is pleading not guilty to all counts, but if convicted, he faces considerable time in custody. Wilson was also concerned this would be incentive for Archambault to not attend court had he been released.
“My client denies all of these allegations,” said defence counsel R. Wyrozub.
Archambault’s trial remains set for May 26 and 27 in Ponoka, commencing at 9:30 a.m.
Rosborough has disqualified himself from overseeing Archambault’s trial matters.