Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jun 2005
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: The Windsor Star 2005
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Don Lajoie, Windsor Star

DRUG DEALER AVOIDS PRISON

Electronic Tether Ordered For 60-year-old In Trafficking Case

A 60-year-old Windsor autoworker, sentenced Monday for drug trafficking and 
illegal possession of firearms, will spend two years less a day as a 
prisoner in his own home, electronically tethered to the penal system.

Citing the offender's age and previously clean criminal record, Ontario 
Superior Court Justice Anthony Cusinato accepted a joint submission from 
the Crown and a defence lawyer that John William Rankin become the second 
local prisoner accepted for the Electronic Supervision Program (ESP).

Acting on tips, police raided Rankin's home in 2003, seizing 1.6 kilograms 
of marijuana, 82 methamphetamine tables, 24 oxycodone tablets, five grams 
of cocaine and six firearms. He pleaded guilty to the charges March 30.

"The court was extremely mindful that the offence constituted a serious 
breach of the Canadian Criminal Code," said Cusinato.

"At the time in question (Rankin) was 60 years old, steadily employed as an 
electrician at Ford since 1993 and had no previous criminal record. Those 
considerations were important to the court."

But Cusinato stressed that doing time at home must also be seen as 
"punitive" and include strict conditions to reflect public denunciation of 
Rankin's crimes.

Cusinato ruled Rankin must wear the electronic tethering device around his 
ankle constantly and be at his residence at all times except to attend 
work, medical appointments or religious services.

The ankle transmitter tethers the prisoner to a receiver via an electronic 
signal which alerts monitors to the offender's presence or absence at 
pre-defined locations. Rankin's Westminster Boulevard home must also remain 
instantly accessible to corrections officers for inspections to ensure the 
equipment is working properly and that the prisoner is abiding by all 
conditions.

Cusinato ruled Rankin will be on probation a further three years with stiff 
reporting provisions to probation supervisors. The provisions include a 
lifetime ban on possessing explosives or firearms and mandatory substance 
abuse counselling, if necessary.

Rankin must also pay two fines of $1,000 each for the unlawful possession 
of two restricted weapons seized by police and forfeit $8,320 recovered in 
connection with the investigation. He must also forfeit drug equipment 
seized by police for disposal.

"He will be under strict supervision the next five years and has forfeited 
proceeds worth $9,000," said federal prosecutor Richard Pollock. "For a man 
his age, with no previous record, the public interest has been satisfied."

Frank Miller, Rankin's lawyer, agreed: "I think it's a good result. He is 
not unhappy with it."
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MAP posted-by: Jackl