Iqaluit man pleads guilty to drug and sex offences
Ed DeVries ran so-called 'Qikiqtaaluk Compassion Society'
CBC News
Posted: May 24, 2012 2:02 PM CT
Last Updated: May 24, 2012 7:08 PM CT
Ed DeVries, seen here being led into court by RCMP officers in 2010, pleaded guilty to several sex and drug-related offences in court in Iqaluit Thursday. (CBC File)An Iqaluit man who once styled himself as a 'traditional healer' has pleaded guilty to sex charges against minors.
Ed DeVries, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday morning to drug charges and several sex-related offences against minors.
The drug charges stem from a business DeVries was involved with in Iqaluit, called the 'Qikiqtaaluk Compassion Society'. There, he sold large amounts of marijuana and hash from a downtown building.
Court heard that it was operated like a normal business, with regular store hours, several employees, and discounted marijuana for elders.
DeVries pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of sexual interference. The sex charges came after police found child pornography on a seized computer.
Court heard that DeVries assaulted his teenaged victims many times over several years.
DeVries stood up in court and apologized to his victims. He called his behaviour shameful and selfish, and he admitted that he needs help.
Crown and defence agreed to ask for two years plus a day for the drug charges.
The Crown is asking for five years for the sex charges, but defence is arguing for three.
Justice Robert Kilpatrick said he needs time to review the case, and a written decision could come sometime next week.
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