Tyson George Billings, a prominent figure during this winter’s Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, also known as Freedom George, is scheduled to accept a guilty plea deal on Wednesday that could see him released, according to supporters and court documents.
Billings would be the first major figure in the convoy to plead guilty and accept a plea deal.
In prison since Feb. 19, Billings’ arrest was transmitted to thousands of viewers who regularly tuned in to his social media during the protest that saw downtown Ottawa occupied for weeks.
His booming songs from “Freedom” and “Let’s Go” have become synonymous with the ongoing “Freedom Movement.”
During the protests, Billings often appeared alongside Pat King, another prominent figure and one of the leaders of the convoy.
The two are co-accused of two counts of intimidation and obstruction of the police and one of wrongdoing, counseling for wrongdoing, counseling to obstruct the police, counseling of intimidation, disobeying a court order and counseling for disobeying a court order.
The protest in Ottawa on February 14. (CBC / Radio-Canada)
The typical conviction for this nature, according to the legal convention, would mean that if Billings pleaded guilty, he would likely receive a six-month sentence.
In prison for nearly four months, Billings is expected to receive credit for his time served and could be free, probably on condition, as early as Wednesday.
Supporters in close contact with Billings, who lives in Alberta, are awaiting his release following a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m.
On Sunday, Selena Paley, one of Freedom Central Canada’s organizers, said she and two other Freedom Central Canada members were traveling to Ottawa to pick up Billings and support him after his release.
He asked his followers to come to the Ottawa Palace of Justice in support of Billings, who he describes as “integral” to the safety of truckers during the Ottawa protests and “a man who put a lot at stake during Freedom Convoy “.
Billings’ attorney, Jake Chadi, said he could not comment.
Continued support for Freedom Central Canada
During his arrest, Billings, usually through followers, has continued to solicit funds through his social media accounts and website, selling merchandise related to Freedom Convoy.
In April, he spoke directly with supporters of the Quinte Detention Center in Napanee, asking them to buy him goods and support Freedom Central Canada, which for many has become a favorite source of information and updates on freedom-related movements since police cleared protesters. of the streets of Ottawa.
“I’m fine, I miss my family so much,” he said in a live phone call to fans.
He told supporters how to support him financially, saying his mother had paid a $ 30,000 withholding tax on his legal counsel. She said her mother also covers her bills, including child support payments and truck loans.
Supporters circulated an online poster about the long-awaited release of Billings, better known as Freedom George for his prominence during the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. (Facebook)
Billings said he gave information directly to Freedom Central Canada to share with fans.
In recent weeks, Freedom Central Canada has featured well-known anti-vaxxer Chris Sky and other prominent figures in the Freedom Movement, including a person who is campaigning across Canada in Ottawa in support of a future protest.