Man convicted of drug offences paroled
John Lee Laybolt serving more than four years after largest cocaine seizure in P.E.I.'s history
A P.E.I. man who was caught with drugs in what was described as the largest cocaine seizure in the province’s history was recently granted full parole.
In a recent decision, the Parole Board of Canada wrote it believed John Lee Laybolt would not present an undue risk to society if he was released.
Laybolt is serving four years, nine months and 19 days for two counts of possession of a drug for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possessing a weapon while prohibited from doing so.
He was sentenced in June 2018.
The report provided some details of Laybolt’s crimes, including that police suspected him of trafficking and conducted surveillance that saw him making a drug drop.
A raid on Laybolt’s home found cocaine, marijuana, weapons, cash and trafficking paraphernalia.
The report said the Crown characterized Laybolt’s operation as sophisticated and the cocaine seizure was the largest in P.E.I.’s history.
Laybolt considered himself a middle man and told authorities he was making up to $5,000 per month prior to his arrest, the report said.
The most recent conviction was Laybolt’s second period in federal prison after convictions in 2007 that landed him a four-year sentence.
A period of parole for his previous offences was revoked for having contact with someone who had been found with drugs.
He was later given a statutory release but was arrested for trying to break into a residence.
In the most recent decision, the board said assessments found Laybolt was a moderate risk to reoffend and his reintegration potential was rated as high.
Laybolt was granted day parole in November, and the board said he has been doing well, including working full time.
With his release on full parole, Laybolt must follow several conditions, including not associating with anyone he knows or believes is involved in criminal activity.
He must also provide financial information as required.