On the afternoon of Sept. 23, Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Services was patrolling the town.  

A Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Services member conducted a traffic stop for failing to comply with seat belt legislation. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was unregistered, uninsured and was mis-using an Alberta license plate. 

The 40-year-old driver from Red Deer was issued traffic tickets under the Traffic Safety Act for have an uninsured and unregistered vehicle, misusing a license plate and failing to wear a seatbelt. 

These violations are scheduled for Provincial Court in Whitecourt. 

This investigation involved the passenger allegedly providing the investigating officer with multiple false names. A search of the vehicle was completed that resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.  

Further investigation determined the identity of the passenger of the vehicle to be Matthew Phillip Levesque, 35, of Whitecourt who was wanted on outstanding warrants related to 44 various charges including breach of multiple release orders including 24-hr house arrest. 

As a result of this traffic stop, Matthew Phillip Levesque is charged with obstructing a peace officer, identity fraud, possession of methamphetamine, three counts of failing to comply with release order and failing to wear a seatbelt. 

Following a judicial hearing, Levesque was held for a bail hearing and will be held for court in multiple jurisdictions related to the outstanding warrants.