INMATES RETURN TO YOUR CELLS – Designated Screwdriver Excerpt

Matt Keay

Published

4 years ago

3 minute read

In this exclusive series we go behind the scenes in one of Alberta’s roughest prisons, Calgary Remand.

Enjoy the reading,

“Sorry that was too short, please try again,” the female recording said.
“Matt Keay, Calgary Remand.”
“Sorry that was too short, please try again.”
“Matt…Keay…Calgary Remand.”
“Sorry that was too quiet, please try again.”

The cells surrounding the common area formed somewhat of a boomerang, the guards central position was optimal for line of sight and control of the population. Our unit was segregated, it belonged to the FK. It felt as though everyone was watching me struggle with the phone, one of the three lined up adjacent the guards.

“Matt Keay, Calgary Remand Remand,” practically yelling.
“Thank you, now connecting.”
Fuck I thought, finally this piece of shit voice recognition mother fucking piece of shit decided to work! Fuck!
(Ringing).

S: Hello.
M: Yo bro.
S: Hey, you ok man?
M: Ya, I guess. As good as I can be.
Voice: “You have 45 seconds remaining on this call.”
M: Fuck k, bro, can you get someone to put money on the phone account?
S: How does that work – what do –

Suddenly a voice shouted over the intercom.
“INMATES RETURN TO YOUR CELLS.”
“INMATES RETURN TO YOUR CELLS.”
An alarm sounded.
“BEEP-BEEP-BEEP”
“INMATES RETURN TO YOUR CELLS.”
Click. The phone line was dead.

I rushed up the stairs toward my cell I saw six or so swat/jail security run out onto the unit. They started pepper spraying inmates.
“Ahhh!,” an inmate yelled as he grabbed his face.
Another guard threw him to the ground and threw handcuffs on his wrists.
My cellmate was already back and sitting on the bed. He had a smile on his face, he looked proud, a look of accomplishment.
Within minutes, guards were at our door. It swung open.
“You. Solitary confinement.”
“Don’t forget about me,” he said laughingly as the guards dragged him out the door.
“I won’t?”

This was my first day of a six month jail sentence for impaired driving causing bodily harm. The first lawyer I hired then fired told me I would end up here if I plead Guilty. He had two Ferrari’s and he was right.

For more stories, visit Todayville Calgary

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INMATES RETURN TO YOUR CELLS – Designated Screwdriver Excerpt

Alberta

Protecting the right to vote for Canadian citizens: Minister McIver

Published on May 1, 2024

Government of Alberta

Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:

“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.

“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.

“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.

“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.

“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”

Alberta

Three Calgary massage parlours linked to human trafficking investigation

Published on April 30, 2024

Todayville

News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit has searched and closed three Calgary massage parlours. A year-long investigation has linked the businesses and its owner to suspected human trafficking.

ALERT arrested Hai (Anna) Yan Ye on April 16, 2024 and charged the 48-year-old with advertising sexual services, drug offences and firearms offences. The investigation remains ongoing and further charges are being contemplated.

Ye was linked to three commercial properties and two homes that were allegedly being used for illegal sexual activities and services. The massage parlours were closed following search warrant executions carried out by ALERT, the Calgary Police Service, and the RCMP:

Seagull Massage at 1034 8 Avenue SW;
128 Massage at 1935 37 Street SW; and
The One Massage Centre at 1919 31 Street SE.
1100-block of Hidden Valley Drive; and
3100-block of 12 Avenue SW.

As result of the search warrants, ALERT also seized:

$15,000 in suspected proceeds of crime;
Shotgun with ammunition; and
Various amounts of drugs.

“We believe that these were immigrants being exploited into the sex trade. This has been a common trend that takes advantage of their unfamiliarity and vulnerability,” said Staff Sergeant Gord MacDonald, ALERT Human Trafficking.

Four suspected victims were identified and provided resources by ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinators.

ALERT’s investigation dates back to February 2023 when a tip was received about suspicious activity taking place at the since-closed Moonlight Massage. That location was closed during the investigation, in December 2023, when the landlord identified illegal suites on the premises.

The investigation involved the close cooperation with City of Calgary Emergency Management and Community Safety, Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) team, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the RCMP.

Ye was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any case involving suspected human trafficking offences, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.