A woman involved in a weapons-related incident in Kehewin pled guilty to all charges against her.
Jennifer Rosalie Houle, 38, appeared in Bonnyville court via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre on Tuesday, July 14. Houle was facing charges for obstructing a peace officer’s investigation, possession of a weapon while prohibited, and failing to comply with an undertaking.
On July 19, at 11 a.m., Bonnyville RCMP officers responded to a call of shots fired by a Kehewin residence. Upon arriving at the scene, officers located and arrested Houle, along with 33-year-old Stanley Rene Mountain, inside of a vehicle.
Crown prosecutor Terry Mazerolle said Houle appeared intoxicated during the arrest because of slurred speech, and alcohol bottles were found under her seat when the vehicle was later searched.
Houle gave the arresting officers a false name, and Mazerrole noted that hindered the investigation.
Acting as duty counsel, Hart Spencer described Houle’s history of alcoholism, and her move to Bonnyville from Saskatoon as an attempt to get clean.
Houle told the court she’s struggled with alcohol since 2002, and has never completed a treatment program.
“I want to straighten out the matter to serve time to rehabilitate myself,” she told the court.
Honourable Judge Donna Groves noted Houle’s 20 prior alcohol convictions during sentencing, and said that jail time is a last resort for offenders with alcohol issues.
“I encourage you to seek treatment once you get out,” expressed Groves.
Houle received a sentence of 30-days, and credited for time served.
Houle’s co-accused Mountain appeared in court in-person. His bail hearing was moved to Aug. 7. Mountain is charged with four counts of reckless discharge of a firearm, four counts of discharging a firearm with intent, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
