Sharbot Lake Criminal Court

Beef jerky and monster energy drinks

by Jeff Green

There were only three accused on the docket at Sharbot Lake Criminal Court this month, all cases that have been in front of Judge Griffin for some time.

One of them is a bit of a mysterious case, involving a former contract employee for a federal MP from Newfoundland. Gipse Julio Ricardo Villas, 68, known as Guilio Villas, and his wife, Jessica Louise Villas, 42, face two charges each of fraud over $5,000. Jessica Villas was the special assistant to Newfoundland MP Judy Foote until Foote resigned her seat last September and Villas was not offered a reassignment.

The charges were laid in November. The accused each have their own lawyer and Kingston assistant Crown Attorney John Skoropada has been assigned to the case and has been in discussions with both defence lawyers about how to proceed. There was an attempt in the early winter to move the proceedings to Kingston but that was resisted by Judge Griffin, who indicated again this week that he will schedule extra Sharbot Lake dates to accommodate a trial, that would likely last longer than one day, should a plea deal not be reached.

Dates in the early fall are being canvassed either for a preliminary hearing or a trial.

“I know nothing about the case,” said Judge Griffin.

It then came out that the Villas allegedly impersonated lawyers in a fraudulent real estate transaction, and a David Hill is listed as one of the victims, who is allegedly out of pocket to the tune of $80,000. The victims are both from North Frontenac. It is not clear at this point if the David Hill mentioned in court is the same David Hill who is well known to North Frontenac Council, the developer behind a subdivision and resort on NorCan Lake at the far northeastern edge of the township. That David Hill has had his own legal issues with the township, none in criminal court, though. There are, however, no other David Hills with listed phone numbers in the township.

The case is also being slowed down because the Crown Counsel, who has been negotiating a resolution with defence lawyers, is off on an adventure.

John Skoropada is only sporadically available because he is on a cycling race across the United States, in which all supplies are purchased by the riders along the route.

This caught the attention of Judge Griffin. “So, he doesn’t have a lot of time to deal with the Villas while riding the route, does he. When is he back?”

“Maybe at the end of next week. He is in Kansas now,” said the provincial crown attorney who was in attendance, “you can track him online.”

“That’s fabulous for him. So, what is he eating, gas station food? Beef Jerky?” asked the judge.

“And massive energy drinks, …” said the Crown”

“And donuts” said one of the defence lawyers.

Judge Griffin set a new reporting date for the case on August 20.

Trial dates set

Randall Kirkwood, charges with driving with blood alcohol over 80mg/100ml of blood and having open liquor in his vehicle, will be tried on October 15.

Dwight Vanalstine, charged with operating a vehicle while disqualified, as well as three Highway Traffic Act violations, will be tried on September 17.