Fredericton man sentenced for charges related to weapons, drugs following break and enter, thefts

An RCMP vehicle can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

A 52-year-old man from Fredericton was sentenced to five years and two months in prison for weapon and drug charges connected to a series of break, enter and thefts in Yoho Lake, N.B, in 2024.

George Edward Pearce was sentenced on Friday. He is prohibited from owning firearms for life and was ordered to give a DNA sample as conditions of his sentence.

Pearce pleaded guilty to the following charges in Fredericton Provincial Court on March 31:

• seven counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking
• possession of a weapon contrary to an order
• possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized
• unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
• possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle

RCMP located and arrested Pearce with assistance from the public.

Officers responded to a break and enter reported at a residence in Yoho Lake on June 15, 2024. Police said an individual gained entry to a home during the incident and threatened the homeowners before he fled. They later confirmed the same person was responsible for two other break-ins nearby.

Police released an appeal for public assistance to identify the suspect on July 3, 2024.

Oromocto RCMP responded to a stranded motorist on Sept. 23, 2024. The responding officer recognized the motorist as the suspect from the break and enter investigation, said a news release.

The man was arrested without incident. When police searched his vehicle, they found large quantities of pharmaceutical grad opioids and stolen mail items.

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