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(Dreamstime)
October 2023 Incident

Penhold man sentenced in stolen property, drug trafficking investigation

Jan 23, 2025 | 12:59 PM

A Penhold man charged in a stolen property and drug trafficking investigation has been sentenced to five months in jail and $3,624 in fines.

Gary Raymond Auvigne, 49, was sentenced in Red Deer Court of Justice on Nov. 26, 2024, and also given a one-year license suspension. He was previously scheduled for sentencing in Red Deer Court of Justice on Dec. 13, 2024.

He was found guilty on counts of dangerous operation, drive motor vehicle with no insurance, operate unregistered motor vehicle/trailer, and possess/sell unmarked tobacco following his trial in Red Deer last July.

Auvigne was found not guilty on counts of flight from peace officer, two counts of possession of property under $5000, possession for the purpose, and possession of a controlled substance. A charge of failing to hold a valid operator’s license was withdrawn.

It was about 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2023, when Innisfail RCMP members patrolling Penhold located a truck driving erratically.

Mounties say the license plate was confirmed stolen out of Red Deer and police stopped the vehicle, then arrested the driver and passenger.

Police say a search of the suspects and truck turned up methamphetamine, fentanyl, Xanax, non-taxed cigarettes, and additional evidence of drug trafficking. Both suspects were known to police.

Gary Auvigne was originally charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking Methamphetamine;
  • Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime (x2)
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • Possession of non-tax cigarettes.

Co-accused, Kyle Rasmussen, 34, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
  • Possession of property obtained by crime (x2).

An arrest warrant was issued for Kyle Rasmussen on March 5, 2024, after he failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance in Red Deer. That arrest warrant remains outstanding.

Related: Sentencing set for Penhold man charged in stolen property, drug trafficking investigation

Related: Trial date set for one of two facing stolen property and drug trafficking charges

Related: Pair arrested near Penhold face property & drug charges