Key Moments
Investigation into Independent Soldiers Recruitment
CFSEU-BC initiated an investigation in early 2014 targeting an Independent Soldiers gang member in Kelowna for recruiting new members.Arrest and Search Warrant Execution
Donahugh Frederick McWhirter and Brittany Stinn were arrested on January 30, 2015, followed by a search warrant executed in Lake Country with multiple drug and firearm seizures.Guilty Plea for Multiple Offences
On February 5, 2018, McWhirter pleaded guilty to possession for trafficking methamphetamine and MDMA, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession while prohibited.Sentencing and Plea Agreement
McWhirter was sentenced on June 29, 2018, to 5 years and 6 months for attempting to revive the Independent Soldiers gang, with all charges against his girlfriend stayed.In early 2014 the CFSEU -BC led an investigation into a long-time Independent Soldiers gang member and his girlfriend after receiving information that a Kelowna-based Independent Soldiers (IS) member was allegedly actively recruiting new members for the IS for a planned resurgence of the notorious gang.
The investigative efforts came to a conclusion On January 30, 2015 after Donahugh Frederick McWhirter and his girlfriend Brittany Stinn were arrested followed by the execution of a Search Warrant at a residence in the Lake Country area. Throughout this investigation several drug seizures were made as well as firearms. See original release here.
On February 5th, 2018, Donahugh McWhirter entered a guilty plea in Kelowna Supreme Court to the following charges:
Drugs
Count 1 – s. 5(2) CDSA – possession for the purpose of trafficking in methamphetamine
Count 2 – s. 5(2) CDSA – MDMA- possession for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of Firearms
Count 4 – s. 91(1) CC – unlawful possession of Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun
Count 10 – s. 91(1) CC – unlawful possession of Squires and Bingham .22 calibre rifle
Possession of Firearms while Prohibited
Count 6 – s. 117.01(1) CC – unlawful possession of Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun while being under a court order prohibiting possession of firearms
Count 7 – s. 117.01(1) CC – unlawful possession of Squires and Bingham .22 calibre rifle while being under a court order prohibiting possession of firearms
On June 29, 2018, Donahugh McWhirter was sentenced, in Kelowna Supreme court, to 5 years and 6 months in prison in his attempt to create a resurgence of the Independent Soldiers. As part of McWhirter’s plea agreement, PPSC has stayed all charges against his girlfriend Brittany STINN.
The CFSEU-BC would like to thank the Vernon RCMP, Lake Country RCMP, Kelowna RCMP, Merritt RCMP, and the Central Interior Traffic Services Unit for their assistance and contributions to this investigation.
CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Desk: 778-290-4677
Mobile: 604-838-6800
