With more than 40 offences against him, a 43-year-old Fanny Bay resident was sentenced to seven years in jail Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to 37 break-and-enters in Campbell River provincial court.
In addition to the 37 break-and-enter charges, Joseph Michel Lebel pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of a prohibited handgun, one charge of possession of a prohibited weapon (bear spray) and one count of possession of break-and-enter tools.
Between 2007 and December 2009, RCMP investigated a series of 180 break-and-enters, largely to patio homes in the Comox Valley and the Parksville/Qualicum area.
RCMP arrested Lebel Dec. 3, 2009, after police caught him in the act of committing four break-and-enters in the Balmoral area of Comox.
Following Lebel’s arrest, officers executed search warrants at his residence and seized numerous items including jewelry, watches and electronics. After compiling the scene evidence, recovered property, surveillance records and suspect’s admissions, a total of 61 charges were laid against him.
In addition to the seven-year sentence, Lebel will also serve another six months for each of the firearm and weapon charges, which will be served concurrently.
— Comox Valley RCMP