Leamington Drug Trafficker's Pizza Parlor Ambition Faces Six-Year Sentence Request
A Superior Court judge in Windsor heard on Tuesday that a 36-year-old Leamington man was trafficking cocaine to raise money for purchasing his uncle's pizza business, leading the Crown to seek a six-year penitentiary sentence. Joseph Andary was arrested in October 2024 with over a kilogram of cocaine, cash, and stolen property valued at more than $110,000.
Financial Motivation as Aggravating Factor
Federal drug prosecutor Sue Szasz emphasized that while Andary's own addiction played a role, his financial motivation should not be overlooked. "He was selling so he could purchase his uncle's family business," Szasz stated during sentencing submissions. "That is an aggravating factor." The prosecution argued that his plan to enter the pizza trade through drug profits demonstrated calculated criminal intent.
Defense Seeks Reduced Sentence Citing Addiction
Defense lawyer Ken Marley countered by requesting a lower 51-month sentence, explaining that Andary was both an addict and a trafficker. "Buying the pizza shop may have been one of his goals, but it's clear that he was an addict/trafficker and was using as well as trafficking," Marley told Justice Brian Dubé. He highlighted that Andary's actions occurred during an Ontario Provincial Police investigation into his activities.
Police Investigation and Seizure Details
The arrest followed a drug bust at a Leamington residence conducted by the Essex County OPP community street crime unit, with assistance from Leamington OPP and an RCMP canine unit. Authorities seized approximately 1.04 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $104,024, along with additional cash and stolen items. Andary has remained in custody since his apprehension.
Prior Record and Additional Charges
Andary pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking and several provincial charges, including possession of a prohibited weapon. Assistant Crown attorney Emile Carrington noted Andary's "horrific record for breaches," citing over 25 instances of failure to comply with probation orders. Andary's criminal history includes nine previous jail terms, which prosecutors listed as aggravating factors alongside the drug quantity and nature.
Sentencing Precedents and Recommendations
In support of the six-year sentence request, Szasz referenced previous sentencing decisions for cocaine traffickers receiving five to eight years for quantities "less than half" of what Andary possessed. Carrington also sought concurrent sentences of six to twelve months for provincial charges related to possession of brass knuckles, ammunition while prohibited, and probation violations.
The case underscores the intersection of drug addiction, financial ambition, and legal consequences in Ontario's justice system, with sentencing expected to address both rehabilitation and deterrence aspects.
