Pubdate: Fri, 30 Apr 2010
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2010 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Heather Polischuk

13 MORE CHARGES IN JAIL DRUG PROBE

Guard Facing Conspiracy, Trafficking Charges

A Regina Provincial Correctional Centre guard already charged 
following a lengthy investigation into illegal activity at the jail 
is now facing an additional 13 charges, RCMP said on Thursday.

Brent Miles Taylor, who was previously facing two firearms charges, 
is now charged with numerous drug offences as well as a breach of 
trust, conspiring to traffic in a controlled substance, and 
possessing more than $5,000 in crime proceeds.

The drug charges include: one count each of trafficking cocaine, 
Dilaudid, morphine, marijuana and cannabis resin; and one count each 
of possession of cocaine, Dilaudid, morphine, marijuana and cannabis 
resin for the purpose of trafficking.

He continues to face the original charges of unauthorized possession 
of a firearm and unsafe storage of a firearm -- charges laid 
following a search of his residence.

The new charges weren't yet before the court during Taylor's Thursday 
appearance at Regina Provincial Court, but they're expected to be 
brought forward by his next court date, May 27, court heard.

Taylor wasn't present in court on Thursday -- a lawyer appeared on his behalf.

The lawyer also asked for, and was granted, an amendment to Taylor's 
release conditions, allowing him to travel within 150 kilometres of 
his residence. He originally had to stay within 50 kilometres of his home.

Taylor, 48, is one of two veteran correctional officers facing 
charges following an 11-month RCMP investigation into an alleged 
drug-smuggling operation at the Regina jail. Larry W. Baragar, 59, 
faces charges of possession of cocaine and marijuana for the purpose 
of trafficking, as well as possession of crime proceeds. His charges 
return to court on Tuesday.

Both men have been placed on unpaid administrative leave from the 
correctional centre.

Two non-government employees are also facing charges.

Michelle Anne Braumberger, 42, is charged with possession of 
marijuana, and Laura Mae Reynolds, 43, faces five counts of 
trafficking in relation to cannabis resin, morphine, Demerol, Halcion 
and Valium. Both women return to court on May 19.
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