The last two men in custody after the February methamphetamine lab bust are free on bail.
Victor Foley and Larry Watson were released after a hearing at Stettler Provincial Court on Thursday, May 12. Both appeared from the Red Deer remand centre by CCTV.
Foley was released on a $25,000 bond, which had to be paid before he was released. Should Foley violate his conditions, the money is forfeit. As part of his release, Foley is required to live with his mother in Calgary, has a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., cannot have contact with Larry Watson, cannot be in possession of drugs or alcohol, or be in a location that sells alcohol or caters to gambling. He is also not permitted in the Town of Stettler, or within 25 kilometres.
Watson, who was previously released on bail, lost his $25,000 surety when he violated his conditions. He was released again, this time on a $10,000 surety. Watson's property, where the alleged crime occurred, was also put up as surety. As part of his release, Watson is subject to a 24-hour curfew and must live with a friend in Big Valley. He is only allowed to be off the property when reporting to the RCMP, which he must do twice a week, checking on his property north of Stettler, working, seeing his lawyer or attending court, or visiting the doctor. He is not permitted to have alcohol or drugs, and cannot attend locations where alcohol is sold.
Watson was caught violating his previous release conditions by an off-duty RCMP member, who found him in a liquor store. He can also have no contact with Foley, or Colin Wilford or James Hall, who were initially charged in the investigation. The two pleaded guilty to other charges and had the methamphetamine lab charges against them dropped by the Crown.
Both Foley and Watson pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, with a trial set for later this year in front of a judge with no jury. The preliminary hearing for both men is scheduled for Nov. 21.