By Sheldon Spackman

March 2024 Incident

Stay of proceedings and charges withdrawn for pair accused in drug and firearms seizure

Aug 2, 2024 | 4:01 PM

Prosecutions have ended against two of three people charged following a drug and firearms investigation in Mountain View County earlier this year.

Donna Faulkner, 43, and Kevin Leischner, 53, both of Mountain View County, had their prosecutions against them ended last month. There was a stay of proceedings for Faulkner on July 9, 2024, while all charges against Leischner were withdrawn on July 15, 2024.

According to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS), if at any time following the laying of charges the Crown prosecutor becomes aware there is insufficient evidence to proceed, the charges may be stayed, withdrawn or downgraded.

“Prosecutors reviewed each of these files and made the determination that the standard for prosecution was not met and as a result they ended these prosecutions,” said a statement from the ACPS.

It was on March 19, 2024, when Olds RCMP say they received information from the public that a rural property located within Mountain View County was being used as a base of operations to sell drugs and house stolen property and firearms. After an investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence.

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On April 3, 2024, Emergency Response Teams (North and South), and Olds RCMP, executed the search warrant. As a result of the search, Mounties alleged the following was seized:

• 200 grams of suspected cocaine
• Two grams of suspected amphetamine
• 250 Gabapentin pills
• Eight cartons of contraband cigarettes
• Seven firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition
• A stolen Dodge Ram 2500
• Two stolen utility trailers

Michael Goodine, 48, a resident of Mountain View County, was charged with the following:

• Careless use of firearm (x2)
• Possess a firearm without a licence (x3)
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2)
• Possession of stolen property over $5000 (x2)
• Possession of a weapon while prohibited (x3)
• Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of selling

Kevin Leischner was charged with the following:

• Careless use of firearm
• Possess a firearm without a licence
• Possession of stolen property over $5000 (x2)
• Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of selling

Donna Faulkner, 42, a resident of Mountain View County, was charged with the following:

• Careless use of firearm
• Possess a firearm without a licence
• Possess a firearm without a licence
• Possession of stolen property over $5000 (x2)
• Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of selling

Michael Goodine’s matters return to Okotoks Court of Justice on Aug. 9, 2024.

Related: Trial date set for man charged in drug and firearms seizure in Mountain View County

Related: Olds RCMP charge three with firearms and drug offences

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