Convicted drug dealer gets day parole

A P.E.I. man who was serving a prison sentence of more than 13 years for a string of charges that include robbery and drug offences has been granted day parole.

In a recent decision for Jason Norman Yeo, the Parole Board of Canada said it was of the opinion he wouldn’t pose an undue risk to society with his release and day parole would help him reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen.

Yeo, who is 36, was sentenced in 2014 after his involvement in the drug trade and his role in an armed robbery in Emyvale.

He spent more than 1.5 years in custody before his sentencing.

In its decision, the parole board said Yeo’s drug trafficking crimes weren’t victimless and he has come to recognize he has adversely affected the lives of unknown people and contributed toward a larger societal problem through his actions.

The report said Yeo’s plan for parole includes getting work in the construction industry and he hopes to find a company that will take him on as an apprentice.

Yeo’s long-term goal is start his own company, the board said.

The board said Yeo accepted full responsibility for his actions and he expressed remorse.

In its report, the board said Yeo acknowledged he had a terrible attitude in the past and had no respect for the criminal justice system.

“You stated that you enjoyed living large and were preoccupied with material things,” the board said of Yeo. Yeo told the board he was no longer the person he used to be and he wanted to put his criminal days behind him.

While on day parole, Yeo will live in a community residential facility. He must also abide by several conditions, including that he not consume, buy or possess drugs or alcohol.

Because of his past involvement with the drug trade, Yeo is banned from owning more than one cellphone and he must provide documented financial information to his parole supervisor.