KELOWNA – An alleged former gangster in Kelowna was in court Monday for sentencing for a crime he committed almost three years ago.
Quentin Michael James earlier pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
In late 2013, the RCMP’s Organized Crime Unit was investigating the drug trafficking activities of the Kingpin Crew, a Kelowna gang which police said had ties to the Hells Angels.
Officers had James under surveillance and arrested him as he was about to mail three ounces of cocaine to an address in Calgary.
Police then searched a West Kelowna self storage locker associated to James, finding more cocaine, ecstacy as well as digital scales and other trafficking paraphernalia.
The value of the drugs seized is about $170,000.
Police also confiscated a bulletproof vest, brass knuckles, assorted rounds of ammunition and about $100,000 during their investigation.
The prosecutor says James’ profit-motivated crime preyed upon drug addicts.
In seeking a 16 month jail sentence, Lesley-Ann Kilgore told the judge: “We have proven that the accused is a mid-level drug trafficker. He is a person who takes cocaine and cuts it down so it can be sold to a lower-level drug trafficker for the purpose of distribution.”
James’ lawyer is asking for a suspended sentence and probation, meaning no jail time, saying James’ drug dealing was the result of him being exploited.
“He met some people that arguably noticed his dedication, his ability and his desire to help and he found himself doing favours for these individuals,” said Kelly Christiansen.
In addressing the court, James said he wanted to express his extreme regret for his drug dealing, calling it a painful learning experience, saying he will try to make amends going forward.
The judge will hand down her sentencing decision at a future date.