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Correctional guard avoids jail time Former NSCC officer gets probation for drug possession
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, July 24, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A former jail guard at North Slave Correctional Centre was handed a suspended sentence for possession of marijuana on Friday.
Nathan Kogiak, 30, lost his job at the jail after being arrested.
Close to 160 grams of marijuana were found in his apartment on Nov. 26, 2012, along with a marijuana grinder, rolling papers, sealing bags and $695 in cash.
Kogiak dodged more serious charges of drug trafficking after some negotiation between Crown and defence lawyers.
Kogiak wiped tears away during the sentencing as Judge Garth Malakoe read the facts of the case.
"Mr. Kogiak is aware of the problems with drugs and alcohol, working at North Slave Correctional Centre," Malakoe said.
Kogiak stated he was an advocate of decriminalizing marijuana and used it to help self-medicate his emotions.
"He went down the road of marijuana, it helped him. He believed it should be decriminalized and he lost track that it is criminalized," Malakoe explained.
Kogiak spoke before his sentencing, with his head bowed.
"I'm sad it's happened. I'm sorry I did that," he said.
Malakoe determined a period of imprisonment wasn't necessary for Kogiak, citing the objectives of sentencing in this case - deterrence and rehab - would be satisfied with a suspended sentence.
Kogiak's probation will last one year and he must complete 72 hours of community service during that time.
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