Alleged 856 gang member faces prison sentence for drug trafficking

An alleged member of the 856 gang in Yellowknife may face years in prisonafterpleadingguilty to one count of trafficking crack cocaine.

Crown lawyer Annie Pichaskedfor a prison term of fourto fourand a half years during Joshua Petten's sentencing hearing Friday, arguing Petten is a member of B.C.'s 856 gang, and he was supplying street level drug dealers in Yellowknife.

Pich said any sentencing considerationfor the guilty plea should be limited as Pettenstill doesn't admit he's part of the gang. She said Petten'sloyalty is to the gangabove anything else.

In 2014, Petten wassentenced to threeand a half years in prison for illegal possession of a loaded handgun outside aYellowknife bar.Hewas released into his home community in B.C. on May20,2015.

Two weeks later, hewas back in Yellowknife.On July 16, he was arrested for drug trafficking.

"There is no great hope for rehabilitation of Mr. Petten," said Pich.

Petten's lawyer Caroline Wawzonekis asking for a three-and-a-half year sentence, minus sixmonths becausePettenpleaded guilty.

Wawzonektold the judgethere is another side toPetten; that Petten's father says he isgentle, loving, and kindwith children and animals.

When the judge askedPettenif he had anything to say, he said "No."

Justice Bernadette Schmaltzwill announce her decision onApril 15.