Co-accused in major meth bust likely to plead guilty under deal with the Crown

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 6, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The suspect in one of Medicine Hat’s largest meth seizures could plead guilty to the charge and be sentenced in early May, Provincial Court heard Tuesday.

Robert Pegoraro, 25, was arrested in November 2021 after city and provincial police officials say they seized 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine at a Flats area house.

His attorney, Calgary-based lawyer Matthew Walton, told the court he and federal Crown prosecutors had signed an agreement to resolve the charges.

Pegoraro would plead guilty to one count of drug trafficking, and would be released on a raft of conditions until he surrenders himself ahead of a May 2 sentencing date.

A conviction on one count of trafficking a controlled substance comes with a minimum sentence of one year in jail, but also longer at the judge’s determination based on any aggravating factors. There was no indication from the Crown on Tuesday about a sentence recommendation.

On Nov. 17, ALERT crime investigations unit announced it had made what was believed to be the largest seizure of meth in the city after a two-month investigation with local police.

Pegoraro faces a total of five charges of possessing narcotics for purpose of trafficking after police found meth, fentanyl, cocaine, LSD and small amounts of MDMA and magic mushrooms, along with $100,000 in cash.

He is also charged with possessing stolen property, careless storage of a firearm, and possession of an unauthorized firearm on the same set of charges.

A co-accused person in the case, Kathleen Anne Rose, faces two counts of possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, drug possession and similar firearms offences.

Her lawyer adjourned the matter to the same date of May 2.

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