LLOYDMINSTER - A 24-year-old Lloydminster woman facing drug trafficking and weapons-related charges, as well as illegally importing tobacco products into Saskatchewan, didn’t appear in court Monday for sentencing.
Larissa Montana’s lawyer Bill Archer told the court, “I don’t have an explanation for her non-attendance.”
Archer told the court that he has the pre-sentence report for Montana. He asked the court for an adjournment until May 16, along with a bench warrant to hold until that day, adding that he will send her a letter.
Federal Crown Vic Findlater didn’t oppose the adjournment with the bench warrant to hold.
The court made four attempts to call phone numbers associated with Montana. On the cell number that Montana had provided as hers, Judge Murray Pelletier left Montana a message telling her that she is supposed to be in Lloydminster court today, adding, “You should get to court personally as soon as possible.”
The court was able to reach Montana’s mother by phone who told the court, “The last I heard she was in Bonnyville, (Alberta).”
Defence told the court that Montana is, “looking at a period of incarceration.” He also asked the court for leave to withdraw as her counsel if she doesn’t appear May 16.
Judge Murray Pelletier granted the defence’s request for adjournment adding that Montana is “probably a little skittish.”
Montana and Bear arrested in 2021
Montana, and 33-year-old Richard David Bear of Battleford were arrested by Maidstone RCMP Roving Traffic Unit following a traffic stop on Aug. 25, 2021. When police searched the vehicle, they found a firearm, cocaine, heroin, methampethamine, pills, cash, illicit tobacco, and multiple pieces of identification that didn’t belong to Montana or Bear.
Montana and Bear were each charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000, possession of identity documents, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm in a vehicle, possession of a prohibited device, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of unstamped tobacco products, and unlawfully importing tobacco.
Montana was additionally charged with obstruction of a peace officer. RCMP say that Montana provided an incorrect name when she was initially searched.
In February, Bear was sentenced to time served.
