Ex-oil worker who turned to drug trafficking sentenced to 3 years in jail

Shelden Harris was described as a mid-level drug dealer before being busted in 2014

After being laid off from his high-paying oilfield job in Alberta, Shelden Harris turned to drug trafficking in Kelowna to maintain his affluent lifestyle.

But, he was caught, convicted and, on Friday, was sentenced to three years in jail for possession for the purpose of trafficking of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, more than a kilo of methamphetamine, 403 grams of hashish, 224 grams of heroin and 65 grams of ecstasy.

The total street-level value of the drugs was estimated by police to be $230,000.

In court, Harris was described as a sophisticated mid-level drug dealer and the seizure of the drugs in an October 2014 bust was characterized as putting a big dent in the city’s drug trade.

Four times during sentencing arguments and explanations in courtroom No. 5 of Kelowna Law Courts on Friday, Harris’ willful turning to drug crime for profit was mentioned.

Even his defence lawyer, Cory Armour, pointed out that after Harris was laid off from his oil field job, he had become used to a certain lifestyle and got involved in drugs to support that lifestyle.

Crown lawyer Clarke Burnett asked for a longer four-year sentence.

“There’s no question he got involved for profit,” said Burnett.

“He did it because he wanted to maintain a lifestyle. He chose not to seek another job, but chose to become involved in high-level drug trafficking.”

Before announcing Harris’ three-year sentence, Judge Victoria Gray also cited his voluntary transition to crime.

“Mr. Harris chose drug trafficking as a way to replace a highpaying job in the oil patch,” she said.

A little later she stated: “Mr. Harris turned to drug trafficking to maintain an affluent lifestyle.”

And then, just before delivering the three-year sentence, the judge reiterated: “You chose to traffic illegal drugs rather than live within the law.”

Harris didn’t plead guilty, but was convicted after a three-day trial in June.

His co-accused, Tyson Still, was acquitted that day.

Harris was found guilty in part because the house used for the drug operation was rented by him and the car, an Audi 8 parked in the garage with most of the drugs in the trunk, was owned by Harris.

While Harris did stand up in court and gave a brief statement before sentencing.

“I’m really sorry for my actions. I’m trying to move forward with my life and learn from my mistakes,” he said.

While his defence lawyer said he was remorseful, the Crown and judge had their doubts.

The Crown didn’t think Harris had full understanding of the impact hard drugs have in fueling addictions and destroying lives.

The judge noted in four letters of support Harris had from his mom, dad, sister and pregnant fiance, they listed he’d turned his life around, had a job and was looking forward to family life.

The judge noted in Harris’ own statement in court, and in the four letters, there was no reference to being sorry for what the drugs he distributed would do to people and the community.

However, in the end, the judge followed sentencing in similar cases and took into account Harris had no previous criminal record, no weapons at the time of arrest, had behaved during 33 months on bail and had a job with his dad’s company.

“(When you get out of jail) you must stay away from the criminal lifestyle and the lure of easy money,” said the judge.

“You will get a greater sentence if you return to drug trafficking.”

And with that, the sheriff approached Harris, who was holding his fiance’s hand.

He kissed and hugged his fiance, hugged his mom and sister, who were also in court, and was taken out a back door by the sheriff to begin serving his sentence.