Two of three people accused of trafficking drugs released on bail

Two of three people involved in a drug bust that turned up $13,000 in cocaine and methamphetamines have been released on strict bail conditions.

Scott Bobbett and Kjersten Melnychuk are each charged with possession of methamphetamine for trafficking and possession of cocaine for trafficking. Bobbett is also charged with possession of proceeds of crime less than $5,000, while Melynchuk also faces three charges of breaching an undertaking and two counts of failing to comply with an appearance notice.

The Moose Jaw Police Service arrested the two — along with co-accused Nigel Wolf — during a vehicle stop on April 21, since the vehicle was involved in an ongoing investigation, a police news release said. During the vehicle stop, police located methamphetamine and cocaine for a combined amount of 4.5 ounces, as well as Canadian currency.

Bobbett appeared by phone in Moose Jaw provincial court on April 28, where Judge Brian Hendrickson granted him bail.

Some of the conditions he will have to follow are keeping the peace and being of good behaviour; reporting to a probation officer; remaining at home under a 24-houra-day curfew; not possess or consume drugs or alcohol, or visit a place that sells such products; give samples of his urine to police when requested; have no contact with Wolf or three other people; not be within five metres of them personally or 50 metres of their work, home or school; and not possess firearms.

Judge Hendrickson reminded Bobbett that it was important for him to obey these conditions, otherwise, his failure to do so would negatively affect his bail.

The court has scheduled a trial for Bobbett on May 11, but due to the coronavirus, it is unlikely to go ahead. However, Hendrickson adjourned Bobbett’s other charges to that day.

Melynchuk appeared in provincial court by video on April 27 from Pinegrove Correctional Centre for her bail hearing. Judge Hendrickson applied a publication ban on the evidence presented during the hearing so its reporting would not prejudice any possible trial. However, the judge’s decision for her release can be reported.

The bail verification report said it would be acceptable for Hendrickson to release Melynchuk, he said. What the report does not include, though, is a recommendation to ban Melynchuk from contacting Bobbett, with whom she is in a romantic relationship.

Hendrickson said he understood the federal Crown’s concern that the two co-accused could get together and come up with a unified story that affects any future trial. However, he noted there was no evidence to support that concern since it is only speculation. The Crown will have to base its case on Melynchuk on the evidence it currently has.

Melynchuk has a criminal record with 19 prior convictions, while her compliance with court orders is not perfect, said Hendrickson. However, the proposed release conditions are “very extensive” and give him confidence that she will appear in court when required to do so. Hendrickson agreed to release Melynchuk on $800 cash bail, while her release conditions are nearly identical to those imposed on Bobbett.

The judge adjourned her matters to Monday, June 15.