Man Found Guilty in Thunder Bay Drug Case

Thunder Bay – Justice M. G. March of the Ontario Court of Justice has ruled Jevonte Williams guilty of possessing fentanyl for trafficking, possessing cocaine for trafficking, and having proceeds from crime under $5,000.

The judgment, detailing the reasons behind it, was released on January 23, 2026 by Justice M. G. March after a trial that took place on June 4-6 and September 17, 2025.

The alleged offences occurred during a police search conducted on March 15, 2023.

Police Execute Search Warrant at Pacific Avenue Apartment

The case revolved around the execution of a search warrant by the Thunder Bay Police Service at an apartment in the area.

The Crown’s evidence was circumstantial and depended on what officers discovered during the search – which included drugs, cash, and items that police described as drug-packaging and weighing equipment – in a room that Justice M. G. March determined was set up as a drug-processing area instead of a bedroom.

According to the decision, an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police assisted with surveillance that day; samples of seized substances were analyzed with support from certificates issued by Health Canada.

Defense Highlighted Investigative Shortcomings and “Tunnel Vision” Issues

Defense attorneys Kiran Grewal and Hannah Deasy contended that police work was incomplete and left several important questions unanswered – such as limited pre-search surveillance, vague suspect descriptions, and missing forensic steps like fingerprint or DNA testing on seized items.

They also emphasized that there wasn’t clear evidence showing Williams lived in the apartment and argued that the Crown hadn’t established his knowledge or control over hidden drugs and cash.

While acknowledging that there was “much left to be desired” in the investigation, the judge ultimately found that enough evidence met the criminal standard for conviction.

In addressing concerns raised by defense counsel, the ruling referenced guidance from the Supreme Court regarding circumstantial cases – asserting that a conviction requires guilt to be seen as the only reasonable conclusion based on available evidence.

Court: Location Inside Restricted “Processing Room” Was Critical

Justice March pointed out that a key factor was where Williams was situated when police arrived: alone in a room which court found to be an inner space designated for processing drugs intended for sale.

The judge noted warning signs displayed along the hallway (such as “no one past this point”), accepting expert testimony characterizing the apartment as functioning like a “trap house,” complete with a doorman and separate processing area.

The court concluded that all evidence combined supported an inference indicating Williams had knowledge of and control over both drugs and cash found within that room; he was convicted on all charges.

Potential Sentencing Penalties Ahead

This ruling pertains to guilt alone; sentencing will occur later based on various factors including aggravating or mitigating circumstances alongside input from legal counsel.

Nonetheless, existing statutes outline maximum penalties:

For possession intended for trafficking involving Schedule I substances like fentanyl or cocaine, offenders can face life imprisonment under law.

For possession of property acquired through crime valued at no more than $5 ,000 , prosecution could lead up to two years’ imprisonment if pursued via indictment (or through summary conviction ).

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