N.L. Crown prosecutor charged with smuggling, prohibited weapon possession

The RCMP in newfoundland dog and Labrador supercharged a provincial coronate public prosecutor midweek after police seized a cache of firearms and prohibited weapons late last year. 

Lee Ballett, 38, is charged with unauthorized importing or exporting; two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device; five counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; drug possession; keeping, acquiring or disposing of goods illegally imported; and smuggling into Canada.

He is scheduled to make his first appearance at provincial court in early August. Ballett had been working as a prosecutor there as recently as last fall.

"They're prohibited weapons for a reason," Insp. David Emberley, officer in charge of the RCMP's Atlantic serious and organized crime unit, said in an interview.

"So it is concerning when these are found in the community."

The allegations set out by police in those filings have not been tested in court.

The investigation into Ballett began in early November 2025, with a tip from the Canada Border Services Agency.

An RCMP affidavit said that a parcel containing a firearm suppressor — more commonly known as a silencer — was intercepted by CBSA at a Canada Post warehouse in Ontario. Police allege it was addressed to Ballett at a residence in St. John’s.

On Nov. 20, the parcel was delivered to Ballett’s address with a tracker inside that set off an alarm once the package was opened.

The affidavit said the RCMP’s emergency response team went to the property after the alarm triggered. 

Ballett was arrested and provided a cautioned statement. 

Police then searched the home and a BMW registered to Ballett.

According to the affidavit, police seized nine firearms, along with 23 magazines. Body armour, brass knuckles, knives and 35 grams of the hallucinogen Psilocybin were also seized by the RCMP. 

Emberley said he could not comment on why Ballett had the weapons.

He noted that a Crown prosecutor from outside the province is handling the file.

Ballett was called to the bar in 2021. A Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador notice dated April 7 said Ballett had been suspended immediately for failing to report annual continuing professional development activites for 2025.

However, when asked in February, Stead said she could not comment on human resources matters.

Asked at the time if public prosecutions would review Ballett's files, Stead said her office couldn't speak to this matter specifically, but added that they take the integrity of all prosecutions very seriously.

"We constantly strive to ensure that prosecutions are carried out using best practices, in compliance with the law and our policies," Stead wrote at the time.

Investigative reporter

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