KRCC GUARD AVOIDS JAIL TIME IN DRUG CONVICTION

A former Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre guard busted with more than
$6,500 worth of drugs won't spend any time behind bars.

Jordan Douglas Woods, 45, was given a six-month conditional sentence
Wednesday after pleading guilty to possession of methyl amphetamine and
production of marijuana.

Police arrested the 10-year veteran guard Jan. 10, 2000 after a lengthy
investigation by the RCMP special project unit.

He had gotten off work at KRCC, made several stops and was arrested with
$1,500 worth of methyl amphetamine in his pocket.

He was wearing his KRCC uniform at the time of the arrest. Twelve marijuana
plants worth $5,000 were found in his residence.

His lawyer, Fred Kaatz, told Mr. Justice Richard Blair the drugs were not
connected in anyway to his work as a jail guard.

"There's not one iota of evidence this particular drug was taken to the
jail or delivered there," said Kaatz, who admitted his client's career as a
jail guard was an aggravating factor in the case.

However, he argued it wasn't enough to warrant time in jail. "I know
lawyers who have been convicted of drug charges."

Besides spending two weeks in jail after the arrest, Woods was also forced
to resign from KRCC. "This has cost him dearly," Kaatz said.

Blair accepted the drugs were for Woods personal use and not for trafficking.

Woods will have to remain in his home except for work, schooling or
community activities and is banned from possessing firearms for 10 years.