Stolen property case has now seen 31 adjournments

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on July 29, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

The case against a 54-year-old Lethbridge man accused of possessing property stolen from several southern Alberta communities, continues to be delayed while the accused bounces between lawyers.

The matter for Gerald David Thurber was in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday, where his third lawyer simply sought another adjournment, Thurber’s 31st since he was charged more than two years ago.

Crown Prosecutor Adam Zelmer did not oppose the adjournment request, but told court the Crown has had an early case resolution proposal on the file for months and is ready to set a trial date.

Thurber was facing nearly 50 charges, primarily for possession of stolen property, but the charges were previously consolidated into four counts 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.

The accused was expected to resolve those charges in March, but with a different lawyer, and a trial was cancelled in anticipation the matters would be resolved. But during a hearing March 11 the Lethbridge lawyer was allowed to withdraw after court was told a conflict had developed and the lawyer could no longer represent the accused.

Calgary lawyer Brad Kraus was retained shortly afterward, but he withdrew in April after the accused failed to attend court, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The following month Kraus was back in court representing Thurber again, and said at that time he still hoped to resolve all of his client’s charges. However, during a brief hearing on June 28, Kraus said Thurber no longer wanted his help and would have to hire a new lawyer.

Thurber was charged two years ago after police 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 said 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.

The matter is scheduled to return to court Wednesday.

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