GUARD GETS THREE YEARS FOR DRUGS

As a veteran correctional officer and supervisor, Larry William Baragar was
well-positioned inside the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre to bring
tobacco and drugs into the institution.

Now he'll be experiencing life from the other side of the bars.

The 60-year-old was handed a three-year prison sentence after pleading
guilty during a Tuesday appearance at Regina Provincial Court to three
counts of drug trafficking, two counts each of possessing drugs for the
purpose of trafficking and possessing crime proceeds, and one count of
breach of trust.

The sentence was jointly proposed by Crown and defence lawyers, and Judge
Linton Smith agreed to impose it after hearing details of the drug
trafficking scheme from 2009 and early 2010.

Court heard the Regina Integrated Drug Unit launched an investigation in
2009 after receiving information that one or more staff members at the jail
were arranging for drugs and other contraband to be brought into the
institution.

Using wiretaps, undercover operators and other methods, police soon
discovered Baragar was bringing in tobacco and drugs in exchange for cash.

Federal Crown prosecutor Doug Curliss said inmates used a variety of
methods to get drugs inside the jail and Baragar -- who, as a guard, wasn't
subject to searches upon entering the jail -- became one of those methods.

"He'd simply walk the drugs into the jail," Curliss said.

In most cases, an inmate would make arrangements by phone with an outside
contact to have that person put together a package of tobacco or drugs,
then put the items inside a tobacco pouch. The inmate would then speak with
Baragar, a supervisor at the time, who'd make arrangements to meet the
outside contact and pick up the drugs. In general, Baragar was paid $200
for carrying tobacco and $500 for taking in a package of drugs.

Once Baragar -- who'd been employed at the jail since 1986 -- brought the
drugs back to the jail, he'd arrange to meet the inmate in his office, at
which time he'd hand over the tobacco and drugs -- mainly marijuana, but
also Demerol and paraphernalia.

Baragar's illegal activities came to an end in March when he agreed to
carry in marijuana and cocaine for an undercover operator working with the
police.

A search of Baragar's home located a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Curliss said when Baragar was interviewed by police, he told them "he was
basically doing it for the money ... He felt he was under some financial
pressure."

Even so, Curliss said Baragar likely pulled in just $1,000 to $2,000 for
his role in the scheme.

Defence lawyer Doug Andrews said his client -- who had no previous record
- -- suffered financially in recent years, including losing a business he'd
been operating.

Baragar was also dealing with personal problems, which were compounded
following the charges. Baragar lost his job, had to postpone his wedding in
October, and has to sell the house he can no longer afford -- all on top of
dealing with the shame of what he's done.

Andrews described Baragar's role in the scheme as something of a slippery
slope that began when he first agreed to bring in tobacco for one inmate.

"Once he made that mistake, it became difficult to say no," Andrews said,
adding Baragar was relieved when his activities were finally brought to an
end.

Brent Miles Taylor, also a jail guard, is facing several related charges
and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in February.