Sharbot Lake Criminal Court – April 1
Villas trial still scheduled, but Gypsy is not expected to attend
Gypsy and Jessica Villas, an estranged couple, are facing a combined trial on fraud charges over a real estate deal that went sour. The trial has been a long time coming, and is set to begin on April 29, but Mr. Villas’ lawyer indicated that he is facing surgery within two weeks and is unlikely to attend.
“The surgery is major and if he survives, he will require 4 to 6 months to recuperate,” she said, “passing over a letter from Dr. Donald K. Wilson, Mr. Villas doctor, that confirms he is set to undergo surgery.”
“I certainly hope Mr. Villas does well and is able to recover, but it does seem that every time we are about to have trial, Mr. Villas conditions gets worse. This happened in 2016, then he was better, and now it is happening again. Perhaps some investigation will help us make sure,” said Judge Griffin.
Judge Griffin then suggested that that the trial of Jessica Villas could go ahead on the 29th, even if Mr. Villas is unable to stand trial at that time.
“But is it up to the Crown to decide whether they want to try Mrs. Villas now, and Mr. Villas later. There must be someone who is eager to have this dealt with since there is money involved,” he said.
The trial date of April 29 remains in place for now, pending Mr. Villas medical condition and whether the Crown is willing to split the trial in two.
First Appearance
Randy Vankoughnet is facing two charges of Break and Enter. He will return on April 29 with a lawyer.
Trial date set
Patrick Sundstrum is facing charges of production and trafficking in marijuana, careless use/storage of firearms, failure to stop for police and unauthorised possession of a firearm. His trial dates of July 15 and September 23 have been confirmed.
Warrant issued
John Badour, who faces drug and assault related charges, 6 in all, was not in court last month or this month. He has not contacted the crown’s office either. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Charge dropped
A charge of operating a vehicle while disqualified, against Tod Boutilier, has been withdrawn at the request of the Crown.
Peace Bond
A charge of threaten death/bodily harm against Patricia Crawford may be withdrawn and a Peace Bond issued instead. The matter will return on April 29th to see if that can happen.
A charge of Fraud under $5,000 against Kevin Fenner may be settled using a legal mechanism known as direct accountability, through the payment of the $2,700 to the aggrieved party. Mr. Fenner will return on May 13 to tell the court how much time he needs to pay the money back.
Direct accountability is also being contemplated in the case of Jonathan Loerchner, who is facing two charges of theft under $5,000, and one of mischief under $5,000. According to Mr. Loerchner’s lawyer, the case involves the removal of trees on Central Frontenac Township property and also on the property of a private landowner, and there is the potential for an out of court settlement.
Loerchner’s lawyer works in the firm of Cunningham Swan, which also represents Central Frontenac Township. When Judge Griffin asked how that was going to work, the lawyer said that if the matter ends up proceeding to trial or plea, he will likely back out, but as long as the out of court option is on the table, he sees no problem. The matter will return to be spoken to on April 29.
