Man fined for breach of jail sentence conditions

Christopher DeGeorgio learned an expensive lesson after he showed up late for a jail sentence last year.

DeGeorgio was handed a 45-day intermittent sentence on Sept. 2, which allowed him to serve his time on weekends. He was also placed on probation, which included several conditions.

DeGeorgio was expected to begin his sentence Sept. 4, but he phoned the Lethbridge Correctional Centre in the afternoon and said he was working out of town and would be late. He called again about 6 p.m. and said he was on his way to Lethbridge from the Crowsnest Pass, but this time he was told arriving late was "unacceptable" and he would be in breach of his sentence.

By 8:30 p.m. he still hadn't shown up and hadn't reported, but authorities were able to contact him by phone. DeGeorgio said he was getting something to eat, and he finally showed up to start his weekend sentence at 9 p.m

Unfortunately for him, when he arrived, authorities could tell by his bloodshot eyes and erratic speech that he was under the influence of some kind of intoxicant, and he admitted he had taken consumed alcohol and drugs. One of the conditions of his probation prohibited from showing up for his intermittent sentence intoxicated.

DeGeorgio was admitted to the jail's medical unit, then taken to the Chinook Regional Hospital where he was given Naloxone to counter the effects of a fentanil overdose.

DeGeorgio, who has since completed his intermittent sentence, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court to one count of breaching conditions of his probation. He was fined $1,000 and levied a victim surcharge of $300.

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