Curtis Sagmoen
Image Credit: Curtis Sagmoen
December 13, 2018 - 11:25 AM
VERNON - Curtis Sagmoen was given an absolute discharge on a mischief charge in Vernon court today.
Sagmoen, 38, who is also facing a series of charges relating to violence against women, appeared in Vernon court today, Dec. 13, to enter a guilty plea in relation to a mischief charge.
Wearing a red sweater, Sagmoen silently sat in the court as he listened to the proceedings.
Protesters speaking out against violence on women and Indigenous people chanted outside the courthouse before and after the hearing. They filled the courtroom as the sentencing unfolded.
Crown and defense lawyers briefly adjourned the hearing to discuss the matter. They returned to enter a joint submission wherein Sagmoen pled guilty to the lesser charge of mischief causing damage to property instead of the original charge of mischief under $5,000.
Crown prosecutor Juan O'Quinn presented the agreed-upon facts of the case. On Jul. 19, 2017, a woman (whose identity is protected under a publication ban) traveled down Salmon River Road. Sagmoen's parents own a property on this road. She struck a homemade wooden spike belt, flattening her tires. Sagmoen admitted he was aware of the spike belt and he took no actions to warn the driver. She took the vehicle to a repair shop, where the tires were patched.
O'Quinn said Sagmoen had no criminal record prior to this event. He also if Sagmoen pled not guilty, the Crown would have needed to call 12 witnesses for a trial. Sagmoen's cooperation was deemed a mitigating factor.
"There was no damage to people," said Lisa Helps, Sagmoen's attorney.
Judge Edmond de Walle agreed with the joint submission and gave Sagmoen an absolute discharge sentence. An absolute discharge is the lowest-level adult sentence. No conviction is registered and probation is not imposed. An absolute discharge will stay on an offender's record for one year.
The judge also ordered Sagmoen to pay a $200 victim fine surcharge.
Sagmoen is expected to return to court on Jan. 7, 2019, in relation to other charges. None of those charges have been proven in court.
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