N.L. Crown Prosecutor Charged with Gun Smuggling
Newfoundland RCMP charged Lee Ballett, 38, with unauthorized importing of firearms, prohibited weapon possession, and smuggling after seizing nine guns and prohibited weapons at his residence.
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The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador charged a provincial Crown prosecutor Wednesday 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.
The investigation began in early November 2025 after the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a parcel containing a firearm suppressor addressed to Ballett at his St. John's residence. On November 20, the parcel was delivered with a tracker that set off an alarm when opened. The RCMP emergency response team attended the property.
According to an RCMP affidavit, police seized nine firearms, 23 magazines, body armour, brass knuckles, knives, and 35 grams of psilocybin. Ballett was arrested and provided a cautioned statement.
Ballett was called to the bar in 2021 and had been working as a prosecutor. A Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador notice dated April 7 suspended Ballett immediately for failing to report annual continuing professional development activities for 2025.
Inspector David Emberley, officer in charge of the RCMP's Atlantic serious and organized crime unit, said in an interview: "They're prohibited weapons for a reason. So it is concerning when these are found in the community."
Ballett is scheduled to make his first appearance at provincial court in early August. A Crown prosecutor from outside the province is handling the file.
