Up to 4-year term sought for convicted drug dealer

A Kelowna man who sold carfentanil and crack cocaine to an undercover police officer could be facing up to four years in jail.

On July 6, 2017, an undercover officer called the number of a male who had agreed to sell him heroin.

The male was believed to be Jamie Hepworth.

The officer called the number several times, but it went to voice mail each time, the court heard Monday.

Later that day, Sgt. Greg Woodcox saw an orange scooter believed to belong to Hepworth parked outside 736 Bernard Ave.

He instructed the undercover officer to loiter around that area for a chance meeting with Hepworth.

The officer saw a female on the street who agreed to text Hepworth and let him know someone was waiting for him.

At 6:20 p.m., Hepworth came out the front door of 736 Bernard Ave.

The officer asked Hepworth if he had any heroin, and Hepworth told him he only had crack cocaine.

The officer bought 0.3 grams of crack cocaine for $20.

On July 9, 2017, the same undercover officer was sent to City Park, where he met with Hepworth again.

Hepworth told the officer he had a point of heroin and pulled a bag of grey powder from his pocket. The officer then gave Hepworth a $20 bill. The 0.2 grams was later tested and found to be carfentanil.

Hepworth pleaded guilty to both counts of trafficking.

He has previous convictions for drug possession and trafficking.

Crown counsel proposed a jail sentence in the range of three to four years.

Hepworth has been in custody for 149 days. He is entitled to 224 days of credit.

Defence lawyer Michael Stephenson proposed a sentence of time served, followed by up to three years’ probation.

Neither lawyer brought other cases before the judge for her to consider in sentencing.

Since their sentencing submissions were so far apart, Judge Monica McParland ordered both lawyers to provide cases to her electronically by this afternoon.

They are scheduled to reappear in court to present the cases on Thursday.