Stolen property case remains unresolved

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on March 8, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

Discussions between a Lethbridge lawyer and his client – who was set to resolve a case involving more than $100,000 worth of stolen property – appear to have broken down.
Gerald David Thurber, 53, was expected to resolve several criminal charges in Lethbridge provincial court, but when the matter was spoken to Monday, Lethbridge lawyer Scott Hadford explained three were “issues” with his client and he needed to adjourn the matter.
Crown Prosecutor Adam Zelmer said he doesn’t know what happened between Thurber and his lawyer, but he pointed out a trial scheduled to begin March 17 was cancelled and witnesses excused on the understanding that Thurber had previously agreed to resolve the case without a trial.
And that’s exactly what Hadford expected to do.
“I was instructed to advise Mr. Zelmer that we had this worked out,” Hadford agreed.
But then something happened and it appeared Thurber had changed his mind.
The matter was adjourned to Friday to allow time for Hadford to discuss the case with his client, and decide whether it will be resolved or rescheduled for trial.
Thurber was facing nearly 50 charges, primarily for possession of stolen property. However, the charges were previously consolidated into four charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and one count each of possession of stolen property under $5,000, making or possessing identity documents, and drug possession.
Thurber was charged nearly two years ago after RCMP recovered stolen property they found in a Coaldale storage unit.
Coaldale RCMP, following up on information they received from a local business, searched the storage unit in June 2020 and discovered more than $100,000 worth of stolen property. Police reported the property was stolen from area break-ins or obtained by identity theft through fraudulent use of a credit card.
The stolen property included two cargo trailers,15 welders, a $9,000 wicker patio set, various power tools, air compressors, a snow blower, ladders, new light fixtures, generators and RV accessories. Most of the stolen property was returned to the owners.
Police said the offences were committed in several areas, including Bassano, Coaldale, Lethbridge County, Lethbridge and Taber.

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