Man facing numerous property crime charges denied bail

A habitual offender with a long list of property crimes has been denied bail for public safety reasons.

Judge Jerry LeGrandeur denied the bail application of Joshua Alexander Drake in provincial court on Tuesday and ordered Drake remain in custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre until his next court appearance on July 5.

Drake is charged with 64 counts, including seven counts of theft of a vehicle, three counts of break and enter, four counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, 10 counts of theft under $5,000, 22 counts of mischief under $5,000, five counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, two counts each of possession of identity documents, flight from a peace officer and dangerous driving, and single counts of mischief, obstructing a peace officer, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, arson, break and enter to steal a firearm, and possession/use of a stolen credit card.

LeGrandeur acknowledged the majority of Drake’s alleged crimes did not involve any violence being offered, with the exception of one incident from his latest arrest which involved dragging a peace officer who was trying to arrest him and his alleged criminal associate Kevin Allen Laffin while the two of them were in possession of a stolen vehicle. But LeGrandeur also felt the sheer volume of Drake’s past charges and current ones suggested a pattern which was concerning, and constituted a “substantial likelihood he would commit more offences” if released on bail.

LeGrandeur said given the already serious charges against Drake, and the habitual nature of his past offences, the accused would likely “run if confronted” by police; thereby posing a safety risk to both the public and the officers who would be compelled to give chase.

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