Handing gang setback nets praise

The Combined Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. is praising the work of investigators for foiling the resurgence of the Independent Soldiers gang in Kelowna following the sentencing of gang member Donahugh McWhirter.

“In early 2014, the CFSEU BC led an investigation into a longtime Independent Soldiers gang member and his girlfriend after receiving information that a Kelownabased Independent Soldiers member was allegedly actively recruiting new members for the IS for a planned resurgence of the notorious gang,” Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, with the CFSEU BC, said in a news release.

On Jan, 29, 2015, Donahugh Frederick McWhirter and Brittany Stinn were arrested.

A search of his Lake Country home resulted in the seizure of a high-powered prohibited handgun, a 20-gauge shotgun, a .22-calibre rifle, assorted ammunition, a crossbow and drug paraphernalia.

Throughout the investigation, several drugs were also seized.

On Friday, McWhirter was sentenced in B.C. Supreme Court in Kelowna to 5 1/2 years in prison.

As part of McWhirter’s plea agreement, all charges against Stinn were stayed.

“The CFSEU BC would like to thank the Vernon RCMP, Lake Country RCMP, Kelowna RCMP, Merritt RCMP and the Central Interior traffic services unit for their assistance and contributions to this investigation,” said Winpenny.