A 30-year-old man from LaCrete is facing multiple charges.
According to the High Level RCMP, it started on May 26 at around 3:00 PM when a High Level Peace Officer stopped a vehicle being driven carelessly.
The suspect, Michael John Neufeld, was with another adult and a youth.
As a result of a number of indications of criminal activity, the High Level RCMP were called to assist and initiate an investigation. High Level RCMP arrested the male driver and the passengers were taken to hospital due to health concerns and later released.
The assistance and information provided by the High Level Peace Officers resulted in the High Level RCMP obtaining and executing a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for the vehicle driven by the male.
As a result of this investigation, the male suspect has been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – morphine (x2)
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – heroin (x2)
- Possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine (CDSA)
- Human trafficking of a minor/person under the aged of 18
Neufeld was held for a judicial interim release hearing and released on May 27 on conditions that included no contact with the minor.
The Community Peace Officers arranged to help the unnamed adult and youth a temporary place to stay and food to eat before being taken back to their homes.
On May 28, the adult was found unharmed, but the youth was back with Neufeld despite the conditions of his release prohibiting him from having any contact with the minor.
He was taken into custody the following day by the High Level RCMP.
Officers also did a traffic stop in relation to the suspect’s arrest.
The investigation turned up drugs and weapons, and charges against a 28-year-old male from Grande Prairie, who was not named.
A short time later, the child was found in a camper-trailer south of High Level.
The youth was provided medical, social, economic assistance and transportation to a safe house where the youth will receive on-going assistance and treatment.
Neufeld is facing the following additional charges:
- Human trafficking of a minor/person under the aged of 18
- Failing to comply with conditions of a release order (x2)
Following another judicial hearing, Neufeld was remanded into custody and is scheduled to attend High Level Provincial Court on June 8, 2020 for a bail hearing.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
