One of the four men arrested in February at a methamphetamine lab on a farm north of Stettler has found himself back in jail, this time with bail denied.
James Hall, the only one of the four men to be released after the arrest, was found by police in the Town of Stettler driving a vehicle with a stolen licence plate on Thursday, April 7, Stettler RCMP Cpl. Cameron Russell said. Hall was arrested and during a search was found to be in possession of a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, police said.
Hall was released on conditions, which included him to not be found within the limits of Stettler County or the Town of Stettler, excepting when he was attending court. Police relocated Hall to a shelter in Red Deer.
Two days later, police received a tip that Hall was in the Town of Stettler and, after a brief search, located Hall. This time, he was allegedly found with cocaine in his possession. Hall appeared before a Justice of the Peace on Sunday, April 11. Given his clear disobedience of his release conditions, Hall's bail was denied and he was remanded into custody.
Investigation leads to return of stolen 'big ticket' itemsFollowing an investigation, Stettler RCMP found a number of stolen, "big ticket" items that had been stolen from around town and county in the past months. While the items could be returned to their owners, the investigation unfortunately could not prove the individual in possession of the items knew that they were stolen, or was the thief in question. No charges were laid.
Thefts fuelled by economic woes, drug addictionsWith jobs still difficult to find for many, and with many people with drug addictions now out of work, thefts continue to increase as people try to find a way to make a quick buck, Russell said.
"Don't think that because you're in the county, you can avoid urban crime," he said. "Lock your vehicles, lock your homes, lock your outbuildings, especially in the rural areas."
Police are responding to reports about break-and-enters and thefts, and frequently find vehicles are being left unlocked, even with keys left on the ignition.