An Edmonton man will spend 15 months in jail after more than $300,000 worth of drug-infused baked goods, other drugs and cash were seized from two west Edmonton locations.
Mitchell Scott Ennis was charged with several drug-related offences, including seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.
He previously pleaded guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking but asked to serve out his sentence under house arrest.
The judge in the case said a conditional sentence was not applicable due to the amount of marijuana involved. The judge said that even though Ennis said the trafficking was done partly for humanitarian reasons, there was clearly a commercial element, as well.
“I’m really shocked,” Ennis’ son Tyler said. “I didn’t think this is the way it would go.”
Tyler said his dad didn’t want to be “a crusader” or break the law.
“He was just doing things he felt were right. He had some health conditions where consuming marijuana helped and he found a lot of other people that it helped as well so he thought he would help them out.
“As the judge said, he’s not going to look at where society is going, which really floors me,” Tyler said. “If we can’t look forward, how can we progress?”
In September 2014, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams found various forms of illicit drugs that were being packaged and sold from a business near 109 Avenue and 166A Street. Police said they seized individually packaged drugs intended for re-sale, as well as various baked goods and sweets that were allegedly to be infused with drugs like marijuana, hashish or mushrooms.
READ MORE: Drug-infused baked goods included in major bust
On Friday, Ennis’ family and friends were in court for the proceedings.
The Crown is asking for a sentence between two and two and a half years. The defence is asking for a two-year conditional sentence with two years of probation and a $5,000 fine.
The Crown told court Ennis is not “your typical drug trafficker.” He is well mannered and does not have a criminal record. However, the Crown argued the nature of his activities cannot be ignored. The Crown said he was running a sophisticated business that was illegal in 2014 and still is now.
Court heard marijuana helped Ennis, who the defence said has Crohn’s Disease. He is 49 years old and has had a medical marijuana prescription for about one year.
READ MORE: Police arrest Halifax shop owner selling marijuana without restrictions
Ennis started the Studio Music Foundation with his father years ago. The defence brought up the community work done by the foundation.
While the foundation was connected to the building where the drugs were found, and the Crown argued the two were intertwined.
The judge said he received 55 letters of reference for Ennis.
When he addressed court, Ennis pleaded to serve his sentence under house arrest. He said he is a caregiver for his young daughter and her mother and he have separated.
“I must implore you to let me serve my sentence in the community,” he said.
“Me and my daughter are very close,” Ennis said, holding back tears. “Separation of me and my little girl will affect us.”
The 25-month sentence, which was reduced to 15 months, will be extremely difficult on the family, Tyler said.
“My younger sister, his youngest daughter, she’s only about five. He sees her as much as he can. She’s the most important thing in his life. All he’s ever wanted is for everyone to be happy and to be together. It’s going to be really tough.”
With files from Julia Wong, Global News
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