Alexa Emerson going straight to trial on bomb threat, white powder charges

By  Bre McAdam, Saskatoon StarPhoenix

The case against Alexa Emerson, the Saskatoon woman accused in connection with dozens of bomb threats and white powder package deliveries, will proceed straight to trial.

A preliminary hearing will not be held and the case will instead go directly to trial, as per the direct indictment filed by the Crown. Such requests are made in cases where the Crown believes there is a serious enough reason to bypass a preliminary hearing, which determines if there is enough evidence for a trial. Reasons for a direct indictment include ensuring public confidence in the administration of justice, avoiding multiple court proceedings and protecting ongoing police investigations.

Emerson — also known as Amanda Totchek — faces more than 80 charges of public mischief, uttering threats and criminal harassment. Threatening packages were delivered to businesses and schools in November 2016 and March 2017. 

She was initially released from custody last January, re-arrested in April and denied bail in June. Following a bail hearing, the Crown estimated the financial cost of the white powder and bomb scares at more than $200,000.

Details of the case were laid out during that two-day bail hearing, but the information is subject to a publication ban to ensure the accused has a fair trial. One of Emerson’s previous lawyers indicated the allegations involve a “complicated domestic situation.”

Emerson’s next appearance is scheduled for Feb. 20 in Saskatoon provincial court. Her trial is to be held in Court of Queen’s Bench.

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Complete coverage: Alexa Emerson case

Source thestarphoenix