Man sentenced in Ponoka vandalism spree

A man charged in an axe-wielding vandalism spree in Ponoka four years ago has been sentenced to four months in jail.

Joseph Soosay, 23, was sentenced in Wetaskiwin Court of Queen’s Bench on July 18, 2022. He was convicted on two counts of arson damage to property, five counts of mischief damage to property, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Five additional counts were previously withdrawn.

Soosay was also given two years of probation, a 10-year firearms prohibition, and ordered to pay a total of $5,349.78 in restitution.

Mounties say several windows were smashed with an axe, and a shed was set on fire during a two-hour period in downtown Ponoka on Aug. 13 and 14, 2018.