Hells associate found guilty, given 51-month term - Winnipeg Free Press: "Manitoba Hells Angels associate who didn't want to be seen as pleading guilty to gang-related charges was instead found guilty Monday after what was likely the fastest trial in judicial history.
The unusual hearing last just a few minutes and included Crown and defence lawyers calling no witnesses and making no submissions.
The only evidence was an agreed statement of facts that was provided to the judge for review days earlier.
Queen's Bench Justice Glenn Joyal had no choice but to make the obvious ruling, paving the way for a sentencing hearing to begin almost immediately. Raymond Brown, 44, was then given 51 months in prison, in addition to five months of time already served, under a joint-recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers. His offences include participating in a criminal organization, conspiracy to launder proceeds of crime and trafficking marijuana.
Prosecutor Chris Mainella said a lot of gang members -- especially high-ranking ones such as Brown -- don't want to be seen as admitting responsibility and would rather put justice officials to the test of proving their case. He said Preston's way of dealing with his case is similar to the 'no contest' plea that exists in the United States.
Brown was one of 33 people arrested last winter as part of 'Project Divide,' in which police used a secret agent to infiltrate the gang by using a former Hells associate as a paid informant. He is the 13th to deal with his charges."
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