Routine traffic stop in 2017 near Kamloops cost these two men time and lots of money | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Routine traffic stop in 2017 near Kamloops cost these two men time and lots of money

KAMLOOPS - Two men who were pulled over outside of Kamloops and found in possession of a loaded restricted firearm along with thousands of dollars in cash were sentenced today, May 23, to three years in prison by a Provincial Court judge.

Jonathan Wayne Melnick, born 1980, and Joshua Alan Susee-Holmes, born 1984, were both arrested on Dec. 3, 2017, after their vehicle was pulled over just north of Kamloops on Highway 5 by the Southeast District traffic patrol. They had restricted weapons and $40,000 cash in the vehicle. 

Both men pleaded guilty to firearm-related offences including carrying a loaded restricted firearm, possessing a weapon obtained through an offence and occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.

Judge Stella Frame said both men have lengthy and serious criminal records. Susee-Holmes’ record dates back to 2000. Some of his convictions include uttering threats, weapon charges and property offences. Melmick’s criminal record dates back to 1994 and includes taking a motor vehicle, property offences, robbery and breaches.

His defence lawyer Daniel McNamee said Susee-Holmes’ motivation appears to have been drug-related. Since he has been in custody, Susee-Holmes has been attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and has plans to continue his sobriety after serving his sentence.

Crown Prosecutor Oliver Potestio asked for a sentence of three and half years for each men while defence lawyers asked for a sentence closer to two years.

Frame sentenced both men to three years including the time they have spent in custody. Both men have been credited 804 days of time in custody which means they have less than a year left to serve.

They both face a lifetime firearm ban.

Crown prosecutors are seeking to have the seized $40,000 forfeited to the province as proceeds obtained by crime. That determination will be made another day. 


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