Alexa Emerson claims frame-up in mystery white powder case
Passes on bail hearing because fears for her safety in the community
The woman accused of sending a mysterious white powder to five Saskatoon businesses says she's being framed.
Alexa Emerson is pleading not guilty to mischief and uttering threats.
The 31-year-old appeared by video in court this morning. Defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle says Emerson wants a speedy trial and, to that end, she is skipping a preliminary hearing.
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Last week, five separate packages containing white powder were sent to five separate businesses across the city. Police and firefighters blocked off the area around all of the locations for hours while they examined the packages.
She is also choosing not to try and make bail.
Pfefferle says Emerson thinks someone is out to get her and wouldn't feel safe on the street.
"She certainly has some concerns that her release in the community could cause safety issues for her, insofar as when this event is alleged to have occurred, she was in custody at the time," he said.
Pfefferle says Emerson has an alibi for the day when the packages were delivered.
"We anticipate providing the Crown with certain information which would potentially lead to alibi evidence that would be able to be examined by the police in this case," he said.
Emerson will back in court Jan. 6. At that point, Pfefferle said he hoped to select trial dates for the spring.
Police and fire estimate the incident cost around $66,000 in overtime and material expenses.
Emerson also goes by the name Amanda May Totchek and is well known to police. It's believed the powder scare is linked to an ongoing criminal harassment case.
Two people who delivered the packages to the businesses were released by police after it was discovered they didn't know the contents.