Attempted abduction case on hold

By Delon Shurtz on June 9, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

The defence lawyer for a Lethbridge man accused of trying to abduct a young teenager, is still trying to determine whether the matter can be resolved without a trial.
Calgary lawyer Jeanine Zahara has been attempting to meet with the Crown prosecutor to discuss early case resolution (ECR), but Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court an agent for the defence said the Crown has not responded to several emails requesting ECR discussions.
The agent, Michelle Carrigan, student at law, told court ECR discussions need to be held before defence can set trial dates.
The accused, 21-year-old Heinrich Van Daniel Blanco, pleaded not guilty in March to one count of attempted abduction of a person under the age of 14, and the case was adjourned until the following month to allow time to scheduled a pre-trial conference and set a trial date. However, on April 27, defence pointed out it would have ECR discussions with the Crown, and the matter was adjourned again.
Carrigan said Zahara will again attempt to contact the Crown prosecutor, who is away until next month, and the matter was adjourned until July 13.
Blanco was charged following an incident about noon on Aug. 31, when 2020 police responded to an attempted abduction in the 100 block of Mic Mac Boulevard and Red Crow Boulevard West.
Police reported the driver of a silver car pulled up to a 13-year-old boy and offered to give him a ride to the store to buy candy. The boy refused and the vehicle drove away.
Police investigators identified the vehicle and prepared a composite drawing of the subject, which, coupled with tips from the public, led to the identity of a suspect.
Blanco was granted bail following his arrest but ordered to adhere to several release conditions.

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