Catch and release pattern results in multiple charges

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on May 14, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge man who was arrested in March for alleged drug and weapon offences, released shortly afterward, then arrested again earlier this month and charged with more drug offences, has been released again.
Robert Joseph Simmer, 47, who attended provincial court Thursday by CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, was released on $1,500 bail, with conditions that he report by phone to the police station every Friday, abide by a curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day, reside at a specific northside residence or as otherwise approved by the court, and not possess any weapons.
Zimmer was arrested March 30 following a short-term police investigation into drug trafficking at various locations downtown frequented by the city’s vulnerable population. After witnessing drug-related activity, police arrested one man and searched a residence in the 500 block of 12 Street North where they seized a firearm, more than $24,000 in cash, stolen property and $5,200 worth of drugs, including 41.44 grams of methamphetamine, 13.4 grams of fentanyl and smaller amounts of cocaine and codeine pills.
Zimmer is charged with two counts each of drug possession and drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, and single counts of possession of property obtained by crime, possession of an identity document, possession of a firearm obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. 
Zimmer was released on those charges following a judicial interim release hearing and ordered to attend court on April 21, but on that date he failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Zimmer was arrested on outstanding warrants on May 4 in the 500 block of 12 Street North. During a search of the property police seized 20.4 grams of fentanyl and 4.5 grams of methamphetamine worth about $4,300, as well as $1,270 in proceeds of crime and two stolen bicycles worth $3,500.
The accused is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of stolen property (proceeds of crime) under $5,000, and breach of a release order.
Zimmer, who was assisted by duty counsel during his bail hearing Thursday, is scheduled to return to court June 9.

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