Driving a stolen car and threatening family earns woman a jail sentence

A woman who was caught with a stolen car and threatened to burn down a family member’s house, has pleaded guilty to several criminal offences, but won’t have to spend any more time in custody.

Cheyanna Megan Williams was sentenced Friday in Lethbridge court of justice to 100 days in jail, one day less than the 101 days she was credited for time she already spent in remand custody following her arrest last year.

Williams pleaded guilty to single charges of possession of stolen property, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and failing to comply with release conditions, and two counts of failing to attend her trial on Dec. 4 and 5.

On April 21 of last year Lethbridge police were asked by the Blood Tribe police to be on the lookout for a stolen black 2011 Chevy Camaro.

While police looked for the vehicle, so did its owner, and while driving around Lethbridge he saw it parked at a fast-food restaurant on Mayor Magrath Dr. N. As he approached the car he saw Williams either asleep or passed out in the driver’s seat, but when he attempted to open the locked door, she awoke and drove off.

Police found her shortly afterward a short distance away, and while she was standing outside the car police arrested her.

The threats charge stems from an incident on June 22, 2023 when Williams’ sister called police and told them Williams, during a contentious interaction with family members, had threatened her family and told them, in reference to the house, “I will effin burn you guys all effin down,” Crown Prosecutor Bob Morrison said.

Williams was released from custody on the threats charge, and ordered not to contact her sister, but on Dec. 5 Williams sent her sister unpleasant messages through Facebook.

Defence told court Williams, who has a lengthy criminal record and has been before the courts continuously since 1997, has been living on and off the streets struggling with addiction since she was a child.

Williams also faces multiple counts of failing to comply with release conditions, and single counts of housebreaking/commit theft, possession of stolen property over $5,000, mischief causing damage under $5,000, and driving while prohibited. She has pleaded not guilty on those charges, and next week is expected to schedule a four-hour trial.