A drug dealer, deemed by the court to be under the influence of a man jailed earlier for drug dealing, received a community-based sentence on Friday.
Sabrina Jaye Armeneau, 31, who now lives in Red Deer, was sentence to two years less a day to be served in the community. She pleaded guilty earlier to possession of cocaine and marijuana, both for the purpose of trafficking.
Armeneau will serve the first six months of her sentence under house arrest and was also placed on probation for two years following her sentence.
Defence lawyer Michael Scrase argued for the community sentence, saying Armeneau was under the control of Jason Richard Wedlund, 32, of Blackfalds. Scrase said Armeneau suffered from undiagnosed mental problems including bipolar disorder and stress when she moved in with Wedlund on Dec. 6, 2007.
Armeneau was to be sentenced in June but Scrase said she was admitted to Alberta Hospital Ponoka just two days prior to that when she was diagnosed with the disorders.
Scrase also said Armeneau has turned her life around and now cares for a young roommate who suffered a stroke. Armeneau can’t work and is receiving counselling.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Laurie Smith of Edmonton said Armeneau had no previous record. Smith said it would be a “disservice to have her serve a federal sentence.”
Federal Crown prosecutor Dave Inglis said Armeneau is a continuing threat based on charges she also faces in provincial court.
Following the Nov. 9, 2007, drug bust, Armeneau was charged and pleaded guilty to forging a cheque and received a discharge. She then was charged with breaking into an employer’s office and stealing a quantity of money from the safe. She returns to court on Nov. 18 on that charge, Scrase said.
Wedlund was sentenced to four more years in jail after pleading guilty on May 5 to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime ($11,500 in cash) and possession of the Taser stun gun, a prohibitive weapon.
jwilson@www.reddeeradvocate.com