Durham area raw milk farmer Michael Schmidt has been found guilty of contempt of court in a case revolving around the sale of raw milk.
Shmidt has run a co-operative organic dairy farm for more than 20 years.
York Region officials accuse him of selling or distributing the product, even after a court order not to do so.
Selling raw, or unpasteurized, milk is illegal in Canada because health officials say it carries the risks of spreading salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
Schmidt is asking for the maximum sentence, even though the Crown is not looking for him to serve jail time.
In fact, Schmidt is said to have told the judge in Newmarket to impose `the highest penalty you can find.’
The judge though has reserved a decision on sentencing, and has not indicated when a decision would be made.
Schmidt defended himself in the case.
He wanted to save money because this is just one of a series of court appearances he has to make.
Early next year, his trial in which he faces 20 charges laid by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Grey-Bruce Health Unit will begin.
